Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has busted an illegal liquor manufacturing plant in Athi River, Machakos County. The brewer, Elle Kenya Limited is suspected to have been producing illicit liquor in one of the warehouses inside Kongoni go-downs.

KRA officers in collaboration with the Multiagency team in Nairobi conducted a raid at the warehouse on Wednesday afternoon following a tip-off. The officers were however forced to camp outside the premises until Thursday morning after 24 workers locked themselves inside the manufacturing plant and destroyed most of the products including several litres of bottled Everest Vodka.  

The destruction left pieces of glasses scattered all over and a flood of liquor on the floor of the warehouse where the manufacturing line had been installed. Apart from the distilling machinery, 133-250 litre empty drums of ethanol and a truck were also recovered from the plant.

It is believed that the workers were ordered to drain all the ethanol and burn counterfeit stamps to destroy key evidence. The 24 workers have been arrested and several items seized pending further investigations.

KRA has enhanced vigilance in the country as part of key measures geared towards stepping up the fight against illicit trade and counterfeits. Apart from revenue collection, KRA’s mandate extends to protecting the society from proliferation of harmful products.

Taxpayers are encouraged to remain compliant with tax laws in order to avoid punitive enforcement measures including prosecution.

Commissioner, Investigations & Enforcement-Dr. Edward Karanja