“24 Hours of Vomiting” – Australian Brand Strategist Mark Pollard Questions Quality of Kenyan Liquor

Australian brand strategist Mark Pollard has called for greater scrutiny of Kenya’s liquor industry after claiming that he fell ill twice within 10 days after consuming local alcohol.

Pollard said one of the incidents was particularly severe, claiming he vomited approximately 15 times within 12 hours and experienced stomach problems that made it difficult for him to keep food or water down. His experience has since prompted conversations online about the quality and safety of alcoholic beverages sold in Kenya.

"I've just had two situations in 10 days due to some of the liquor here. Basically 24 hours of vomiting, and what's amazing is I was taking a little bit of water to keep it down, no food, and basically on the toilet it's runny, everything's going through you."

Online Reactions and Humorous Backlash

Reacting to his account, some social media users appeared to blame his continued consumption rather than the quality of the drinks. One commenter wrote, “Kama huwezanj na kitu si uaache unahara bt still unakunywa😂😂,” while another asked, “Kwani ulikunywa Dallas mzee?” A third joked, “Umejaribu Dallas uone kama utafeel better.”

Other reactions maintained the humorous tone, with one user asking, “Umejaribuu ratishh😭😂🕺,” while another commented, “There is levels to this shii lil bro🫴.”

Regional Scrutiny and Rwanda's Alcohol Import Ban

Pollard’s experience comes against the backdrop of increased scrutiny of alcoholic beverages in the region after Rwanda temporarily suspended the importation of 52 alcoholic beverage brands from Kenya, India, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and Poland over public health concerns.

The development generated strong reactions among Kenyans online. One user joked, “Rwanda: public health concern😂🚮 Kenya: we call it Friday 🫴🍻😂,” while another asked, “Hawa wangepata méakins ikiwa 59 percent😮😂😂😂🙌.”

Others questioned the inclusion of Kenyan brands, with one commenter writing, “What kwani our stuff was tampered with.. there's no wayyy 😮😂🙌.” Another said, “There is nothing good about alcohol. The Rwandan government is smart.”

Some users also joked about brands that were not included in Rwanda’s list. “Uzuri Dallas na KC haijaguzwa 😂 kisuu⭐,” one wrote, while another said, “Hawajaonja Dallas😹.”

Others praised Rwanda’s approach, with one commenter stating, “Rwanda is Intentional about her Citizens 👏.”

Product Recall Directives and Affected Brands

The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority ordered the recall of affected products already on the market and directed that their sale and distribution be stopped. Consumers were also advised to stop using the listed products while importers were given three working days to submit recall reports.

The Kenyan products named in the suspension were Kenya King, Gilbeys Gin, Avalon Premium Vodka, Safari Gin and Sweet Berry Vodka.