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The Rift Valley region has recorded the highest number of illicit alcoholic brews seized in the country between January 2024 and May 2026, according to data presented to the Public Petitions Committee by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Eliud Lagat.
Appearing before the Committee on behalf of the Inspector General of Police on Thursday, June 11th, 2026, DIG Lagat revealed that security agencies confiscated 254,272 liters of illicit alcohol in the region in 2024, 189,293 liters in 2025, and a further 49,508 liters between January and May 2026.
The data also showed that 16,040 suspects were arrested in the region in 2024 for illicit alcohol-related offenses, compared to 2,104 arrests in 2025 and 532 arrests recorded between January and May this year.
Despite the region leading in the number of seizures, DIG Lagat noted that the declining figures over the last two years indicate progress in the fight against the illegal alcohol trade.
βRift Valley is very expensive and close to the borders where this smuggling happens, but we are happy there is a decline in numbers over the last two years,β said DIG Lagat.
He, however, cautioned that the menace remains widespread across the country, with Western and Nyanza regions recording increased cases of illegal alcohol production, distribution, and consumption this year. According to the statistics, authorities seized 134,463 litres of illicit alcohol in Western Kenya and 160,389 litres in the Nyanza region during the review period.
The Deputy Inspector General was responding to submissions arising from a public petition on the Production, Distribution and Consumption of Illegal Alcoholic Brews in the Country, sponsored by Hon. Gladys Boss (Uasin Gishu).
A case study focusing on Uasin Gishu County revealed fluctuating trends in enforcement activities. The county recorded 56 arrests in 2024, which rose significantly to 505 arrests in 2025 before dropping to 111 arrests between January and May 2026.
Similarly, law enforcement agencies seized 4,417 litres of illicit brew in 2024, 37,524 litres in 2025 and 4,442 litres so far this year. Of the quantities seized, 1,407 litres were destroyed in 2024, 35,667 litres in 2025 and 820 litres have been destroyed in 2026 to date.
To strengthen the fight against illicit alcohol, DIG Lagat proposed establishing a structured, adequately funded, multi-agency framework involving key government institutions.
βThe National Police Service firmly holds that no single agency can effectively address the multi-dimensional challenge of illicit alcohol. A coordinated whole-of-government approach is imperative,β he said.
He proposed a collaborative framework bringing together the National Police Service, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Anti-Counterfeit Authority, County Governments, Ministry of Health, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and National Government Administrative Officers.
During the meeting, Members of the Committee raised concerns over persistent allegations of corruption among some law enforcement officers, arguing that bribery continues to undermine efforts to curb the illicit alcohol trade by allowing offenders to evade justice.
Responding to the concerns, DIG Lagat acknowledged the challenge and reaffirmed the Service's commitment to rooting out corruption within its ranks.
βCorruption should not be entertained. I admit there is a small percentage of officers who engage in corruption. As a Service, we have no room for corruption. We are working closely with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to establish a dedicated mechanism to detect, investigate, and prosecute officials implicated in illicit alcohol protection rackets,β he stated.
Members further emphasized the critical role of Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, and local communities in combating the vice, noting that enhanced community participation and the regular transfer of officers stationed in alcohol-prone areas could strengthen enforcement efforts.
The Committee also expressed concern over the growing popularity of the βPark and Chillβ event among young people, citing reports linking some editions of the event to excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse.
Committee Vice-Chairperson Hon. Janet Sitienei, who chaired the meeting, called for closer scrutiny of such events and their impact on the youth.
In response, DIG Lagat assured Members that he would personally follow up on the matter in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to establish the facts and take appropriate action where necessary.
