Kahuho Market in Murang’a County was the scene of a dramatic raid on Monday night after the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), working jointly with Murang’a Police, seized counterfeit alcohol worth Ksh1.4 million.
The 8:00 p.m. operation, conducted ahead of the Jukwaa la Usalama Murang’a County forum and under the 100-day Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) on illicit alcohol directed by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, was triggered by intelligence reports of widespread illegal liquor trade in the region.
Enforcement officers recovered 290 crates of assorted alcoholic drinks, including Smart Ice, Taifa Ice, Diamond Ice, and Apple Ice, all affixed with fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps. Several cartons of Dallas Gin spirits were also confiscated.
The warehouse where the alcohol was stored has been linked to Peter Nduati, alias “Mike Power,” a notorious trader alleged to control 59 alcohol outlets across Murang’a. NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa described him as a major player in the illicit alcohol trade who has repeatedly evaded law enforcement.
“This is not a small-time player. He is a well-known figure whose business empire thrives on illegality, and his continued evasion of the law underscores the scale of the challenge we face,” Dr. Omerikwa stated.
Although Nduati was not present during the raid, a woman believed to be his store manager was arrested and is being held at Kahuho Police Station. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the fugitive, with the KRA leading investigations. He is expected to face charges of tax evasion and violations of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (2010).
The seized liquor has been handed to KRA investigators, while samples will undergo further testing at the Government Chemist and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to assess their safety.
NACADA reiterated its commitment to a multi-agency crackdown on counterfeit alcohol, warning that illicit brews not only deny the country vital tax revenue but also endanger consumers’ health.
Security agencies have vowed that Nduati’s long history of evading justice will come to an end, as efforts to dismantle his network intensify.
Written By Rodney Mbua
