A multi-agency security team from Thika East, Kiambu County has seized over 700 litres of counterfeit brew from an illegal distillery in Muguga, Gatuanyaga area that had been set up as an animal feed manufacturing plant.
Among the items seized are hundreds of branded cartons, ethanol, empty bottles and ready bottled adulterated illicit liquor faked from Ruiru-based Platinum Distillers and Thika’ two cousins distillers.
Thika East Deputy County Commissioner Hellen Chege said the proprietor and owner of the building where the brews were seized, managed to escape during the night operation.
“It’s when we got a tip off that the plant that residents thought was manufacturing animal feeds was manufacturing killer brews. We then swung into action in the wee hours of the night, broke into the factory and managed to confiscate the brews and empty bottles. However, the owner fled when he heard us breaking the door,” Ms Chege said.
She said the proprietor took advantage of the closure of the main alcohol distillers that were awaiting approval after the government announced war on illicit brews, to tap into that market.
She warned those engaging in the illegal business that they will have themselves to blame as the security operators will continue with the war on illicit liquor.
Ms Chege told those who want to engage into the business to follow due process and apply for licenses genuinely instead of engaging in dirty tricks.
Among the brands that the suspect faked, she said include Trace, People, Magic Smart, Fighter, Red ice, Network among others.
The area sub-county Police commander Andrew Sora said his officers have intensified a manhunt for the distillery owner as he is well known in the neighbourhood.
He said the raids will continue until they dismantle illicit brew business in the Sub County.
Platinum Distillers CEO Onesmus Muturi confirmed that one of his popular brands ‘Smart’ had also been faked by the suspect.
“These illegal illicit distillers are taking advantage of the vacuum created while we are waiting for government approvals to continue with our operations. We urged the government to speed up the issuance of licenses to genuine alcohol manufacturers,” Muturi said.
By Muoki Charles
