- NACADA and Murang’a Police seized KSh 1.4M worth of illicit alcohol in a night raid at Kahuho Market.
- 290 crates of assorted drinks with fake KRA stamps and several cartons of spirits were recovered.
- Warehouse linked to fugitive trader Peter Nduati, alias “Mike Power,” who controls 59 outlets.
- His female store manager was arrested; Nduati is now wanted for tax evasion and illegal alcohol trade.
- Samples to undergo tests at KEBS and Government Chemist for safety verification.
On Monday at 8:00 p.m., NACADA officers, backed by Murang’a Police, conducted a high-stakes operation at Kahuho Market. The raid was part of the 100-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) on illicit alcohol, directed by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen ahead of the Jukwaa la Usalama forum.
Enforcement officers confiscated: 290 crates of assorted drinks, including Smart Ice, Taifa Ice, Diamond Ice, and Apple Ice, all bearing fake KRA stamps. Several cartons of Dallas Gin spirits.
The haul’s estimated market value is KSh 1.4 million.
The warehouse was traced to Peter Nduati, alias Mike Power, a trader described by NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa as a “major player” in Murang’a’s illicit alcohol market.
“This is not a small-time operator. He runs a business empire built on illegality and has consistently evaded law enforcement,” Dr. Omerikwa said.
Nduati is believed to control 59 alcohol outlets in the county.
While Nduati was not found, his store manager was arrested and is currently held at Kahuho Police Station. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the fugitive.
Investigators say he will face charges of: Tax evasion, Violations of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (2010)
The seized drinks have been handed over to KRA investigators, while samples are undergoing analysis at the Government Chemist and KEBS to determine consumer safety.
NACADA reiterated that counterfeit alcohol poses serious health risks and robs the government of vital tax revenue. Security agencies vowed to dismantle Nduati’s network, stressing that his long record of evading justice is coming to an end.
