Police in Kitale seize illicit liquor, nab two female suspects

Police destroy several liters of illicit liquor after NACADA began crackdown. [Photo: Courtesy]

Police in Kitale town have arrested two female suspects and impounded 2,400 litres of illicit liquor suspected to have been sourced from Uganda.

Regular police on patrol in Kitale town became suspicious of a Probox vehicle that had arrived from Suam and tried to wave down its driver who defied the orders.

The officers gave chase forcing the driver to abandon the vehicle with two female occupants.

County Commander Samson Ole Kine said the officers searched the vehicle and discovered two sacks stocked with Uganda liquor.

“Our officers were on patrol when they stopped the Probox but the driver instead sped off forcing the officers to give chase. It was upon searching the vehicle when they discovered the illicit brew branded Samba Waragi,” said Ole Kine.

Ole Kine said the brew from Uganda was suspected to have been destined to bars in Kitale adding that a crackdown has been mounted against the sale of the illegal liquor.

“We cannot allow unscrupulous business people to make quick money by selling illegal liquor. We are conducting an operation to weed out such alcohol,” said Ole Kine.

He further said investigations were going on before the two suspects are arraigned in court.

The Uganda brew packed in sachets is sold in the County cheaply and attracts its high supply. Some dishonest businessmen are making good money from its sale.

Last month, over 2,000 litres of illicit liquor was impounded in Eldoret town in the county of Uasin Gishu.

The illicit liquor which was destined for Nakuru County was discovered by authorities during a routine check on the Eldoret-Malaba highway.

Eldoret West OCPD, Samuel Mutunga, says the sale of illicit brews is rampant especially during the onset of the festive season.

They warned brewers and sellers of illicit liquor of stern action if arrested.