By Eldoret Leo 
Detectives recovered counterfeit alcoholic drinks, suspected fake KRA excise stamps and packaging materials allegedly used to disguise illegal liquor as genuine products.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested three suspects following an intelligence-led operation targeting an alleged illicit alcohol manufacturing and distribution network on the outskirts of Eldoret.
According to the DCI, detectives from its Headquarters Operations Action Team, working alongside officers from DCI Uasin Gishu, conducted the operation at Oletepesi. The agency identified the suspects as Francis Mutuma Gikunda, Frank Kamau Mwangi and Moses Mungai Kipishi.
Investigators said Gikunda was intercepted while driving a white Toyota Voxy before leading detectives to an unfinished house allegedly converted into an illegal alcohol production and packaging facility.
A search of the premises reportedly uncovered cartons of counterfeit alcoholic beverages and packaging materials bearing the labels of several popular alcohol brands. Detectives also recovered suspected fake Kenya Revenue Authority excise stamps, which they believe were used to make the illicit products appear genuine.
The recovered packaging carried labels such as Medal Vodka, Smart Vodka, Best Gin and Silver Star. However, the allegations relate to the suspected misuse of the brand labels and do not imply that the legitimate manufacturers or distributors of those products were involved in the operation.
The DCI reported recovering 20 cartons of assorted illicit alcoholic beverages, including 10 cartons that had reportedly been packaged and prepared for distribution. Several empty 60-litre jerricans believed to have been used in the operation were also seized.
A silver Toyota Wish, registration number KDQ 422V, was recovered at the scene carrying assorted illicit alcoholic drinks.
Preliminary investigations indicate that ethanol used in the alleged operation may have been sourced through the Busia border before being processed, packaged and distributed within Eldoret and neighbouring counties.
The three suspects remained in police custody pending processing and arraignment at the time of the DCI statement. Detectives said investigations were continuing as they pursued other suspected members of the alleged network who remained at large.
The claims against those arrested have not yet been tested in court, and the suspects remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Robert Mutasi