Illegal ethanol impounded in Nyeri

Nyeri,

Monday September 11, 2023

KNA by Beth Ndirangu

A multi-agency security team in Nyeri has impounded 170 liters of ethanol hidden in a manhole at the home of a wealthy woman who operates a chain of bar and wines and spirits businesses within Gatitu/Muruguru ward.

Led by Nyeri Deputy Governor Warui Kinaniri, the team comprising of the police, officers from Kenya Revenue Authority as well as the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) also arrested two workers found in possession of the ethanol. 

Speaking during the operation, Kinaniri noted that the home, located in the outskirts of Nyeri town at Wambugu drive was not registered and licensed as a manufacturer of ethanol.

The team also impounded 24 crates of suspected counterfeit alcohol at a night club located in Gatitu town also owned by the woman.

 "We are urging the members of the public to voluntarily give us information concerning illicit brews in the county. Today I led the team in the raid, we will conduct such across the county. We must end this menace of illicit brews," said Kinaniri. 

Nyeri sub-county police commander Charles Chacha confirming the incident said two suspects have been arrested and are helping the police with investigations. 

Chacha added that police were looking for the owner of the residence where the ethanol was found. 

Area MCA Wangechi Wa Njithi vowed not to allow such business operators to ruin the lives of the young people in Gatitu / Muruguru ward. 

Wa Njithi expressed regret that the proprietor was a repeat offender as Police had impounded several crates of suspected counterfeit alcohol at her bar at Gatitu, three weeks ago saying the team was determined to rid of such traders.

“We are urging the Judiciary to help us fight this menace by giving deterrent sentences,” she added.

Courtesy; KNA