NAIROBI, Kenya – Media personality Joe Muchiri has gone on an explosive rant over the growing problem of fake and counterfeit alcohol in Kenya, arguing that the crisis affects far more than people who consume alcohol.
Muchiri addressed the issue in a widely shared social media video after renewed concerns over counterfeit alcohol and the dangers posed by illicit liquor, including products contaminated with industrial methanol.
The outspoken commentator rejected the argument that fake alcohol is only a problem for drinkers, insisting that the trade affects Kenya’s economy, healthcare system, families and public institutions.
“Fake alcohol affects the whole country. Affects the whole economy,” he stated.
Muchiri argued that the government would collect significantly more revenue if counterfeit alcohol did not compete with legitimate alcohol products.
He pointed out that alcohol attracts substantial taxes in Kenya and argued that legitimate manufacturers and consumers ultimately contribute to government revenue through the taxes imposed on alcoholic products.
Counterfeit alcohol, however, operates outside that formal system. Muchiri questioned how much additional revenue the government could collect if all alcohol sold in the country entered the market legally and paid the required taxes.
“If there was no fake alcohol in the country, do you know how much more tax the government would get?”
He argued that the loss affects everyone because government revenue supports public services and national programmes. For Muchiri, therefore, fake alcohol represents not only a public-health emergency but also an economic problem.
Muchiri also turned his attention to the supply chain behind counterfeit alcohol.
He argued that ordinary Kenyans cannot manufacture, package and move large quantities of fake liquor through international borders without encountering government-controlled systems.
He alleged that counterfeit alcohol and related materials can originate from markets such as Dubai and China before entering Kenya through airports or the Port of Mombasa.
“Iyo pombe inapitia port, sio? Either by flight, freights, air, or through the ports, Mombasa. It has to come through customs.”
Muchiri then questioned how such products can enter the country if customs and other enforcement systems are operating effectively. He alleged that corruption among officials allows illicit products to pass through systems that should stop them.
Muchiri also challenged Kenyans who believe the fake-alcohol crisis does not concern them because they do not drink.
Muchiri argued that people who do not consume alcohol can still experience the consequences when relatives, friends or colleagues become victims of counterfeit liquor.
“You and I, regular Kenyans, we cannot bring fake alcohol into the country. And we cannot make fake alcohol and package it. You need government’s blessing, and the county, and the police.”
He argued that the consequences extend to families who may have to deal with hospital bills, long-term health complications or funerals after people consume dangerous counterfeit products.
Muchiri reserved his strongest criticism for officials he believes facilitate the movement of illicit alcohol.
He named various categories of officials involved in customs, policing, county administration and health inspection and argued that corruption within these systems can allow dangerous products to reach consumers.
“You, as a corrupt person, you are killing your own friends, relatives, and Kenyans.You are a murderer.”
Muchiri’s rant ultimately called for greater accountability from everyone involved in controlling Kenya’s alcohol market.
He also believes Kenyans should recognise the economic consequences of the trade.
“Alcohol is part of our life. Directly connected. You can fight it, you can, alcohol is even in the Bible. It’s part of our life, and we are going to live it.”
Muchiri stressed that his argument was not about encouraging alcohol consumption. Rather, he argued that people who choose to drink should have access to legitimate products that meet safety standards.
