Trans Nzoia County intensifies crackdown on illicit brews

The National Government has intensified the crackdown on illicit brews in Trans Nzoia County, with security officers arresting five suspects during an operation conducted in Maili Saba, Kipsaina, and Namakoe.

County Commissioner Hassan Allasow Hussein said the suspects were arrested during a crackdown targeting illegal brewers and distributers of illicit brews.

“We have already arrested five suspects, and they will be taken to court. We came to Alaska Bar and found that this is where the packaging is done,” he said.

Allasow stated that the operation would be sustained across the county as the county security team moves to dismantle illicit alcohol brewing and distribution networks.

“We have started this war, and we will continue until we get to all areas of Trans Nzoia. We have a list of suspects, and we have already arrested several of them. We will get hold of everyone brewing illicit alcohol,” he stated.

He warned traders involved in the illegal business against using unofficial routes to transport illicit alcohol into the county, saying security agencies would continue monitoring the border to prevent the entry of illegal alcoholic products from neighbouring countries.

“Some of them like to use ‘panya’ routes, but I want to remind them that eventually the long arm of the government will catch up with them,” he said.

Triza Mwangi, an officer from the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), said some alcoholic products entering the country from neighbouring countries did not comply with Kenyan standards, posing health risks to consumers.

She cited samples of alcoholic products, including Johnny’s Gin, which she said did not conform to requirements under the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act regarding packaging and alcohol volume.

Mwangi added that the law prohibits the packaging of alcoholic drinks in plastic bottles and restricts the sale of alcoholic drinks in containers of less than 250 milliliters.

“This raises health concerns and puts lives at risk. I urge residents who drink these brews to at least try and know what they are drinking,” she said.

She urged residents to report suspected illicit brewers and distributors to the authorities and called for cooperation between the public and security agencies in the fight against illicit alcohol.

“These illicit brews bring many effects, including death. Continue reporting any suspicious dens and let us work together to clean out our country,” she said.

By Sandra Omondi