Kiambu Constituency MP Machua Waithaka has stepped up efforts to combat illicit and counterfeit alcohol following a multi agency meeting aimed at strengthening enforcement, improving coordination among security agencies and speeding up the prosecution of offenders.
The meeting brought together representatives from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the Anti Counterfeit Authority, the Office of the Deputy County Commissioner, the police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and local chiefs.
Discussions centred on the growing concern over counterfeit and illicit alcoholic drinks, locally known as Gathuri Ngui , with participants exploring ways to dismantle illegal manufacturing and distribution networks operating within the constituency.
Waithaka said the meeting was part of a broader effort to protect residents from the health risks associated with illicit alcohol while ensuring that those involved in its production and sale face the full force of the law.
The MP said the participating agencies had agreed to intensify enforcement operations, improve information sharing and strengthen cooperation to ensure that cases involving suspected manufacturers and distributors of illegal alcohol are handled more effectively.
The meeting also identified delays in the administration of justice as an area requiring attention, with participants agreeing to pursue faster court processes to ensure that suspects who are charged are dealt with within the law.
Under the resolutions, the agencies will hold monthly review meetings to assess the progress of enforcement operations, identify emerging challenges and agree on further measures where necessary.
Waithaka said the regular meetings would provide a platform for the agencies to evaluate the impact of their interventions and ensure that the campaign produces tangible results rather than relying on occasional crackdowns.
“We will continue to convene these multi agency meetings every month as we work to dismantle illegal operations and ensure that those involved in the manufacture and sale of illicit and counterfeit alcohol are brought to book in accordance with the law,” he said.
The MP said sustained cooperation between law enforcement agencies, regulators and local administrators would be critical in identifying illegal businesses, gathering evidence and pursuing cases against those suspected of violating alcohol control and product safety regulations.
The involvement of chiefs and local administrators is also expected to strengthen grassroots surveillance and improve the flow of information on suspected illegal alcohol outlets and distribution networks.
However, the success of the campaign will depend on the consistency of enforcement, the quality of evidence gathered and the ability of the relevant agencies to sustain investigations and prosecutions.
Beyond enforcement, Waithaka said he would engage the Kiambu County Government to ensure that alcohol traders operate within the law and comply with the licensing and regulatory requirements governing the sale of alcoholic beverages.
The proposed engagement is intended to distinguish legitimate businesses that meet the required standards from illegal operators accused of dealing in counterfeit or illicit products.
The MP said the crackdown should be accompanied by proper regulation of the alcohol trade to ensure that businesses operating legally are not unfairly affected by measures targeting illicit operators.
The campaign comes amid continuing concerns over the public health and social consequences associated with illicit alcohol, including the potential dangers posed by products whose ingredients, origin and safety standards cannot be reliably established.
Counterfeit and unregulated alcoholic drinks can expose consumers to serious health risks, making surveillance, product verification and effective enforcement important components of efforts to protect the public.
The multi agency approach is expected to bring together the respective mandates of security officers, prosecutors and regulatory bodies, from identifying suspected offences and collecting evidence to examining products and pursuing cases in court.
For Kiambu residents, the immediate test will be whether the resolutions translate into sustained operations, the disruption of illegal supply chains and stronger accountability for those found to have broken the law.
Waithaka said the initiative would remain a continuing undertaking, with monthly meetings providing an opportunity to monitor progress and address gaps in implementation.
He described the campaign as part of a commitment to safeguarding public health, protecting communities and restoring order in the alcohol trade.
The MP maintained that the fight against illicit and counterfeit alcohol would require sustained cooperation between national government agencies, county authorities, local administrators and the public to ensure that enforcement efforts are effective and that legitimate traders comply with the law.
