By Baraka Simba 
A security guard accused of stealing seized cigarettes worth Sh22.78 million from a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) warehouse in Eldoret has been denied bond after appearing before a court.
The suspect was charged over the alleged theft of 1,860,520 sticks of Supermatch cigarettes valued at Sh22,780,542 from a KRA-controlled storage facility in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
According to information released by KRA on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the cigarettes had previously been seized by the tax authority and were being held at the warehouse before they allegedly disappeared.
The accused faces a principal charge of theft and an alternative charge of failing to prevent a felony in connection with the missing cigarettes.
The security guard was arrested by immigration officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) while attempting to travel to Qatar.
His arrest followed the enforcement of a Departure Prohibition Order that restricted him from leaving Kenya.
He was subsequently presented before Eldoret Senior Principal Magistrate Maureen Kesse, where he denied the charges.
The prosecution opposed his release on bond, arguing that he posed a flight risk and could potentially leave the country if released.
The court agreed with the prosecution’s concerns and declined to grant him bond, leaving him in custody as the criminal proceedings continue.
KRA said the suspect, if convicted, could face imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years.
The authority described the prosecution as part of its broader efforts to combat illicit trade, protect government revenue and prevent illegal goods from entering the Kenyan market.
The alleged theft has also raised questions about the security and accountability of seized goods stored in government-controlled facilities.
Such facilities play an important role in enforcement operations, particularly where confiscated products are retained as evidence or pending further legal proceedings.
The disappearance of more than 1.8 million cigarette sticks from a KRA warehouse in Eldoret highlights the importance of effective security measures and accountability in the management of seized goods.
KRA had not disclosed how the cigarettes were allegedly removed from the warehouse or whether other suspects had been identified by the time of the announcement.
The case is expected to proceed through the courts as the accused remains in custody.
Robert Mutasi 
Eldoret Leo