Authorities have uncovered a suspected illicit alcohol production and distribution operation in Nyeri County following a multi-agency enforcement raid.
The operation led to the seizure of counterfeit alcoholic products, raw ethanol, and bottling equipment concealed within a residential property in the Klassique area.
The operation, conducted on Monday afternoon, was led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), working with other security agencies.
Officials said the raid was based on intelligence provided by members of the public.
According to NACADA, the team recovered thousands of bottles of suspected counterfeit vodka, 275 litres of raw ethanol stored in containers, and equipment believed to have been used in large-scale packaging.
The items included a bottle capping machine, counterfeit labels, bottle tops, branded stickers, and chemical additives.
A Nissan vehicle, which authorities suspect was being used in the distribution process, was also impounded at the scene.
Investigators described the setup as a coordinated production site operating from within a residential house.
The presence of industrial machinery and chemical substances such as citric acid and food colouring, officials said, points to a structured process of manufacturing and packaging alcoholic products.
Despite the scale of the discovery, no arrests were made at the location.
However, authorities said they have identified the primary suspect as a tenant of the premises who is also reportedly an aspiring Member of the County Assembly (MCA).
Law enforcement agencies have since launched a search operation to locate the individual.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa praised members of the public for their role in the operation, saying community cooperation remains central in the fight against illicit alcohol and drug abuse.
“We are deeply grateful to members of the public who continue to volunteer critical information,” he said. “Their courage and cooperation are instrumental in protecting communities from the harmful effects of alcohol and drug abuse.”
He added that enforcement agencies will continue pursuing those behind illegal alcohol networks regardless of their social or political standing.
“We know who he is, and his political ambitions do not place him above the law,” Omerikwa stated.
“We are pursuing him, and we expect him to present himself to the authorities. The ongoing national directive to intensify the fight against drug and substance abuse has strengthened our enforcement efforts, and we will not relent.”
Authorities said the operation reflects a growing concern over the concealment of illicit alcohol manufacturing activities within residential neighbourhoods. They warned that such setups pose significant public health risks due to the unknown composition and unsafe production processes involved.
Officials further noted that illicit alcohol operations continue to evolve in sophistication, often blending into ordinary living environments to avoid detection.
The seized items have been secured as exhibits, and investigations continue. Police have urged anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts to report to the nearest station.
Authorities reiterated that the crackdown on illicit alcohol will continue across the country as part of ongoing enforcement efforts targeting illegal production and distribution networks.
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