Authorities in Ruiru, Kiambu County, have uncovered an illegal liquor distillery operating inside a high-end residential home in the Kahawa Sukari estate. The raid led to the recovery of more than 1,000 litres of ethanol and a large assortment of counterfeit alcohol whose value remains undetermined.
The operation was carried out by a multi-agency team comprising officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), local administration, and the National Police Service. The team stormed the premises, located along Isiolo 2nd South Avenue, following a tip-off from members of the public. During the raid, two suspects were apprehended at the scene, while the alleged mastermind, who had rented the house, managed to flee. Authorities have launched a manhunt to track him down.
According to police, the illegal production activities were ongoing on the ground floor of a luxurious two-storey house. The home had been leased from its owner, a widow who had relocated to her rural home and was reportedly unaware of the activities taking place there.
Investigations revealed that the premises had been fully equipped for the illegal manufacture and packaging of liquor. Officers seized approximately 10,000 empty bottles, 126 cartons of counterfeit alcohol, distilling equipment, several water tanks, bottle tops, and Kenya Revenue Authority stamps. All recovered items were transported to KRA warehouses in Nairobi for further examination and investigation.
The bust has raised fresh concerns about the proliferation of illicit alcohol production in residential areas, particularly in upmarket estates that are typically considered secure and well-regulated. Local leaders and residents have expressed shock over the incident, describing it as a serious threat to community safety and public health.
Community leaders confirmed that the suspect had moved into the residence in December of the previous year. This recent incident, however, is not isolated. Previous cases of similar illegal operations have also been reported in the estate, suggesting a troubling pattern that authorities are now under pressure to address.
The chairman of the Kahawa Sukari Welfare Association emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging residents to report any unusual or suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods. He expressed concern that repeated discoveries of illegal distilleries in the area could tarnish the estate’s reputation and endanger the wellbeing of residents, particularly young people.
Local political representatives also condemned the operation. One area leader stated that the business was operating without a license and in blatant violation of Kiambu County laws. He appealed to landlords to take a more proactive role in tenant vetting and to cooperate with local authorities by sharing lease details.
Security officials assured the public of the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal liquor operations. Preliminary findings indicate that the main suspect may be a repeat offender with ties to similar businesses in other areas. Authorities vowed to pursue him and dismantle any networks involved in the illegal alcohol trade.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for enhanced collaboration between residents, law enforcement, and local administration to safeguard neighbourhoods from such illegal and potentially dangerous activities.
