NAIROBI, Kenya – February 19, 2026 – In a targeted intelligence-led operation, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has seized a substantial ethanol cache hidden in Runda Estate, Westlands Sub County, Nairobi West Sub Region. The total volume recovered stands at 1,645 litres, worth at an estimated KSh4,112,500.
The multi-agency team, led by NACADA together with officers from Runda Police Station and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), acted on a public tip-off. Authorities first proceeded to a suspect’s homestead within Ruaka Township, where occupants led them to a concealed storage facility along Pan Afric Road in Runda Estate.
Upon gaining entry, the team recovered ethanol packed in five drums of 250 litres each (1,250 litres), 60 bottles of 2 litres each (120 litres), 16 plastic jerricans of 20 litres each (320 litres), and 10 sachets of half a litre each (5 litres). Also seized was one metallic filling funnel, alongside eight empty 20-litre jerricans and four empty 20-litre drums.
NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa disclosed a new trick being deployed by unscrupulous dealers in uncustomed ethanol. “We have discovered that criminals receive the commodity in large drums but break it down into smaller consignments – bottles, jerricans, and even sachets – which are far easier to transport undetected,” he said.
Dr. Omerikwa reiterated the Authority’s resolve, stating: “NACADA is not relenting where keeping communities safe is concerned. We will continue to dismantle these networks and protect Kenyan families from the dangers of illicit brews.”
Two individuals were arrested at the scene and escorted to Runda Police Station, pending arraignment in court.
Scene of crime personnel processed and documented the location.
