KABATI, KITUI COUNTY — In a major blow to the illicit alcohol trade in the Lower Eastern region, a National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) operation has confiscated counterfeit alcohol valued at approximately KSh5 million and arrested a prominent local businessman who allegedly ran the syndicate just metres from a learning institution.
The operation, conducted on Tuesday, March 3 targeted a bar and wines and spirits outlet owned by an individual who also serves as the Chairman of the Kabati Business Community. The arrest of the high-profile figure, alongside three of his employees, has sent shockwaves through local networks, exposing the deep entrenchment of the illegal trade.
According to NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, who addressed the press shortly after the raid, the premises were operating with blatant disregard for the law, situated less than 100 metres from Kauwi Senior School. This proximity flagrantly violates the 300-meter rule prohibiting alcohol outlets near educational institutions.
“It is immoral and unacceptable for alcohol dispensing outlets and storage facilities to operate this close to learning institutions because of the grave risk posed to our children,” Dr. Omerikwa stated. “Recent statistics show the Prevalence rate for drug use in the country stands at 7 years . When you have children as young as seven years old being initiated into substance abuse, and you situate these dens near their schools, you are directly attacking the future of this nation.”
During the raid, officers recovered over 900 cartons of various counterfeit brands of spirits and more than 250 crates of suspected counterfeit alcohol packaged in 500ml beer bottles. Preliminary investigations revealed that all the confiscated alcohol bore fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps, a common marker of tax evasion and potential public health hazards .
Dr. Omerikwa commended the intelligence-led approach that led to the successful operation but pointed to the suspect’s position as a business community chairman as evidence of how deeply these criminal networks are embedded in society.
“The fact that this notorious individual is the Chairman of the Kabati business community highlights the challenges we face. These are not just petty traders; these are influential people who use their positions to shield illegal activities,” he added.
Local residents who gathered at the scene hailed the Authority’s decisive action. Many cited the devastating effects of rampant illicit alcohol use in the county, which has been linked to rising health crises and family breakdowns.
“We are losing our young men to this poison. These businessmen have been operating with impunity for too long. We thank NACADA for finally stepping in,” one resident said.
The multi-agency team, which included officers from the National Police Service, transported the exhibits to a secure location for verification and analysis. The four suspects are in custody awaiting arraignment, with authorities indicating that asset recovery proceedings will follow to ensure the crime does not pay.
