Police officers have confiscated counterfeit alcoholic Products worth Sh316, 000 at Brook centre in the outskirts of Kericho town.
According to the Kericho County Commissioner Kamau Karungo, security officers on patrol Tuesday night intercepted a vehicle, Nissan Caravan KBK837C from Nakuru that was distributing alcohol in parts of Kericho County.
He said the police officers managed to arrest the driver and his conductor, who will soon be arraigned in court, even as police continue with further investigations.
The County Commissioner, addressing the press Wednesday outside the Brooke Police Station said the vehicle was ferrying 95 cartons each containing 20 bottles an alcoholic product by the name ‘Best,’ while only 16 cartons were found with genuine Kenya Revenue Authority excise stamps.
Karungo was flanked by the Kericho East Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Stephen Orinde and the County Police Commander Riko Ngare.
“I want to thank the County Security team and Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Brook Police Station for their timely action taken towards the fight against counterfeit alcohol,” said Karungo
The County Commissioner said he had already instructed the County Police Commander to ensure that no alcohol is distributed at night in all the six Sub-Counties in Kericho warning unscrupulous business people that their days were numbered.
“I am informed that two vehicles distributing the same counterfeit alcohol, belonging to a wines company in Kabarnet, Baringo County have also been intercepted in Nakuru. So the security team is on high alert to deal with such crime decisively in accordance with the law,” added Karungo.
Meanwhile, the 100 days of Rapid Results Initiative launched by the government to eradicate illicit brews and counterfeit alcohol is still in progress.
The county commissioner also assured members of the public of adequate security during the festive season, saying that security officers will crack down on bars and establishments within estates found disturbing residents at night by playing loud music.
“Every sub-county security team has their operation order on how they will cover their respective areas and therefore security is already beefed up to ensure the security of residents during the entire festive season,” he said.
By Kibe Mburu
