Police in Ruiru, Kiambu County, have uncovered an illegal distillery operating inside a posh residential home in Kahawa Sukari estate, recovering over 1,000 litres of ethanol and assorted counterfeit liquor of unknown value.
Acting on a tip-off from members of the public, a multi-agency team comprising officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), local administration and the National Police Service raided the premises located along Isiolo 2nd South Avenue.
Two suspects were arrested during the operation, while the main suspect, who had rented the house from a widow, escaped and is currently being pursued by authorities.
Ruiru Sub-County Police Commander Charles Kibathi said the suspects were caught in the act, with distilling and packaging activities ongoing on the ground floor of the lavish two-storey home.
The owner, according to police, had leased the house and relocated to her rural home, unaware of the illegal business.
During the raid, officers recovered 10,000 empty bottles, 126 cartons of alcohol, KRA stamps, distilling equipment, several water tanks and bottle tops.
All exhibits were transported to KRA warehouses in Nairobi for further investigations.
Kahawa Sukari Welfare Association Chairman Samuel Mwaniki said the suspect had rented the premises in December last year.
He noted that this was not the first time such an illegal liquor operation had been uncovered in the estate and urged residents to report suspicious activities to authorities.
“This has become a recurring problem. We must work together to protect our youth and ensure our estate remains safe,” Mwaniki said.
Area MCA Kennedy Odhiambo condemned the operation, noting that the business was unlicensed and operating in total disregard of Kiambu County laws.
He urged landlords to vet their tenants and share lease details with local security and administrative officers.
Ruiru Deputy County Commissioner Julius Too affirmed the government’s resolve to stamp out illegal distilleries, especially those operating in residential areas.
“We will not allow such illegal businesses to thrive in our neighbourhoods. Preliminary investigations show the main suspect has been involved in similar operations in other locations,” Too said.
