By Erestinah Jane | July 1, 2026
A multi-agency security team has seized more than 200 cartons of counterfeit alcoholic beverages during a raid on an illegal distillery in Kapsuser, Belgut Sub-county, Kericho County, as authorities intensify efforts to curb the manufacture and distribution of illicit liquor.
The intelligence-led operation, conducted by police and other security agencies, targeted a makeshift facility believed to have been supplying counterfeit wines and spirits to retail outlets across Kericho and neighbouring counties.
The raid was led by Belgut Police Commander David Koech, who said the operation forms part of an ongoing campaign to eliminate illegal alcohol production networks that continue to pose serious health and security risks to consumers.
According to police, officers stormed the premises after receiving intelligence that the facility was manufacturing and packaging counterfeit alcoholic drinks for distribution to local markets.
During the operation, security officers recovered more than 200 cartons of suspected counterfeit alcohol, which are expected to undergo further examination as investigations continue.
Authorities believe the seized products were destined for wines and spirits outlets in various trading centres, where they would have been sold to unsuspecting consumers.
Police said the operators of the illegal distillery escaped moments before the security team arrived at the scene.
A manhunt has since been launched to identify and arrest those behind the operation, with investigators pursuing leads to dismantle the wider distribution network.
Security officials noted that the illicit products were being manufactured outside the country’s regulatory framework, with no evidence of quality control, licensing or tax compliance.
They warned that counterfeit alcohol poses significant health risks because it is often produced using unregulated ingredients and unhygienic manufacturing processes.
Authorities also expressed concern over the growing availability of cheap illicit alcohol, saying the products are increasingly being
