Five arrested in crackdown on illicit brew in Kitui

Five Arrested in Kitui Crackdown on Illicit Brew
Five suspects are in police custody following a multi-agency crackdown on illicit alcohol in Kitui County. The operation, which took place on Tuesday, targeted outlets in Kitui Central and Kitui West sub-counties, leading to the seizure of hundreds of litres of illegal second-generation liquor and the closure of several unlicensed bars.
The raid was conducted by a team comprising officers from the National Police Service, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and public health officials. The team confiscated over 500 litres of illicit brew, along with counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority stamps and assorted packaging materials used to disguise the harmful drinks as certified products. The five individuals arrested are believed to be distributors and sellers within the local illicit alcohol network.
Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui confirmed the arrests and stated that the operation is part of a sustained effort to eradicate the trade of harmful substances. We are committed to weeding out this vice that is destroying our youth and families. The crackdown will be continuous, and we warn those involved in this illegal business to cease immediately or face the full force of the law, Mr. Mbui asserted.
The crackdown in Kitui aligns with similar ongoing operations across the country, as directed by the national government. Local residents and community leaders have largely welcomed the initiative, citing the devastating social and economic impact of alcohol abuse. As the suspects await arraignment, authorities have urged the public to continue providing information that can lead to more arrests, emphasizing that community cooperation is vital for the long-term success of the war against illicit brews.