KIAMBU, Kenya – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced a fresh vetting exercise targeting all manufacturers of alcoholic drinks sold in Kenya as the government intensifies its crackdown on illicit and harmful alcohol.
Kindiki said the move was prompted by a rise in alcoholic beverages that contain substances capable of endangering consumers’ health, particularly young people.
Speaking at Nyambari in Lari Constituency, Kiambu County, the Deputy President said the government had renewed its campaign against poisonous and illicit alcohol.
“The Government has declared a renewed war against poisonous and illicit alcohol,” Kindiki said.
He accused some manufacturers and sellers of continuing to produce and distribute alcoholic drinks containing chemicals that could harm consumers and affect their reproductive health.
Government Targets Repeat Offenders
Kindiki said the latest exercise would build on a similar vetting process conducted in 2024 targeting manufacturers of second-generation alcoholic drinks.
He warned manufacturers and sellers that the government would take action against those found producing harmful products.
“Those who sell alcohol should know that we have declared war, just as we did in 2024 when we carried out vetting of manufacturers of second-generation alcoholic drinks,” he said.
The Deputy President said some manufacturers who had previously been flagged had continued producing harmful alcohol, raising the possibility of their licences being revoked.
KRA, ACA, Security Agencies To Join Crackdown
Kindiki said he would convene a meeting involving the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), Ministry of Interior, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to coordinate the crackdown.
The exercise is expected to bring together government agencies involved in licensing, revenue collection, enforcement and public health protection.
Kindiki also called on Kenyans to support government efforts to combat harmful alcohol while urging politicians to stay out of the enforcement process.
Kindiki: Alcohol Fight Is Not Political
The Deputy President said the campaign should be treated as a security and public health matter rather than a political issue.
“This is not a political war. Therefore, politicians should stay away,” he said.
Kindiki said the role of governors, MPs and other political leaders should focus on development projects such as roads, markets and electricity, while enforcement against illicit alcohol should remain the responsibility of government agencies and security organs.
He also urged members of the public to support authorities in efforts to eliminate poisonous and illicit alcoholic drinks.
DP Inspects Lari Development Projects
Kindiki spoke while inspecting national government development projects in Lari Constituency.
He assured residents that the government was continuing with its development agenda despite criticism from opponents.
The Deputy President cited ongoing road construction as evidence of the government’s commitment to its infrastructure programme.
“Those critics who spoke earlier and said that no roads would be constructed have now gone silent,” Kindiki said.
He specifically referred to the Lironi–Mau Summit Road, saying critics had previously questioned whether the project would be undertaken.
Kindiki said the progress of the project demonstrated that the government’s development plans were being implemented.
