Police in Ruiru, Kiambu County, recently uncovered an illegal distillery operating in a residential home within Kahawa Sukari Estate. A multi-agency team led the operation, recovering over 1,000 liters of ethanol alongside a large quantity of counterfeit liquor of unknown value.
The raid, conducted on April 26, 2025, followed a tip-off from vigilant members of the public. Authorities found the ground floor of the two-story house bustling with distilling and packaging activities. The team confiscated 10,000 empty bottles, 126 cartons of alcohol, counterfeit tax stamps, and various distilling equipment. However, the main suspect evaded capture and remains a target for law enforcement.
Charles Kibathi, the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD), highlighted the dangers of counterfeit liquor, warning it could have reached local vendors and endangered unsuspecting consumers. He emphasized ongoing efforts to apprehend the suspect.
Additionally, Julius Too, the Deputy County Commissioner of Ruiru, urged residents to stay alert and report suspicious activities to prevent such illegal businesses from thriving.
“We will not allow these operations to flourish in our neighborhoods. Investigations reveal that the main suspect has engaged in similar activities elsewhere,” Too said.
Kahawa Sukari has faced similar issues in the past. In October 2023, detectives uncovered another cache of counterfeit liquor and related materials in the area. This repetition has prompted local leaders, such as Member of County Assembly Kennedy Odhiambo, to advocate for stricter measures against unlicensed distilleries.
The incident has also ignited discussions about landlord responsibilities in tenant vetting. Samuel Mwaniki, Chairman of the Kahawa Sukari Welfare Association, stressed the need for collaboration between residents and authorities to safeguard the community’s integrity.
“This recurring problem demands our collective effort. We must protect our youth and ensure our estate remains secure,” Mwaniki said.
