Government classifies illicit alcohol trade as organised crime

The government has classified the manufacture, distribution, sale and consumption of illicit and adulterated alcohol as organised crime, placing it alongside terrorism and banditry as a national security threat. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says the government will establish a permanent secretariat at Harambee House Annex to coordinate a nationwide crackdown on illicit alcohol cartels. Speaking after a meeting with security agencies, governors and regulators in Karen, Kindiki revealed that nine raids had been conducted on illegal ethanol premises in the past ten days, targeting 116 illicit brew sellers. The government is also preparing tougher laws, including provisions to seize assets belonging to manufacturers and distributors. Kindiki has urged the public to share information to help dismantle the cartels, while warning politicians against interfering with security operations.