KERICHO, Kenya — A multi-agency security team has dismantled a suspected illegal alcohol production hub in Soin Sub-County, marking a significant step in ongoing national efforts to curb the manufacture and circulation of harmful second-generation brews.
The National Police Service (NPS) said officers raided a homestead in the Mumwet area of Kaplelach Location following intelligence that it was being used to produce contraband alcoholic drinks destined for distribution across the region.
During the operation, officers recovered counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise stamps, fake bottle caps, branded packaging boxes, thousands of illicit stickers, and large quantities of suspected ethanol believed to be used in the manufacture of unregulated alcoholic products.
Police also impounded a vehicle thought to be used for transporting the illegal consignments.
According to NPS, the operators escaped moments before the raid, fleeing upon detecting the presence of law enforcement. “Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved,” the statement noted, adding that the crackdown forms part of a wider government initiative to dismantle criminal networks profiting from toxic alcohol distribution.
Security agencies have, over the past year, intensified joint operations targeting illicit brews that continue to pose severe public health risks, including cases of blindness, organ failure, and death.
The Ministry of Interior has repeatedly warned that second-generation alcohol remains a major threat to communities, especially in rural areas where illicit networks often operate undetected.
A senior security official in the Rift Valley, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing investigations, said the syndicate appeared well-organised and likely linked to a larger distribution chain.
“The presence of counterfeit excise stamps and branded packaging suggests an attempt to disguise the products as legitimate, making it harder for ordinary consumers to distinguish genuine alcohol from toxic substances,” the official said.
Public health experts have also urged caution as the festive season approaches, warning that increased demand for cheap alcohol often fuels a rise in illegal production. According to NACADA, unregulated alcohol is responsible for dozens of deaths annually, with many more suffering long-term health complications.
Tuesday’s operation, which brought together NPS officers and partner agencies, underscores the government’s sustained commitment to safeguarding communities. Authorities have encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
As investigations continue, police say further arrests and additional raids in the Kericho region and neighbouring counties are expected in the coming days, signalling an intensified push to disrupt illicit alcohol networks before the year-end festivities.
