Police seize 500 litres of suspected illicit alcohol after truck overturns near Baraka estate

Police in Nakuru are investigating an incident in which a lorry driver was found to be transporting suspected illicit alcohol after being involved in a road accident near Baraka Estate in Nakuru Town West.

According to County Police Commander Stephen Kirui, officers recovered around 500 litres of the alcohol, which was packed in glass bottles, after the lorry overturned while attempting a U-turn at high speed at around 6pm.

“We have confiscated the bottles as we suspect the contents may be adulterated. Samples have been sent to the government chemist for analysis. The driver remains in custody pending the results of the analysis,” Mr Kirui says.

The truck, which was reportedly travelling from Busia, overturned at a road junction and was moved by the police and first responders to clear the traffic. It was during the offloading process that the bottles were discovered.

Mr Kirui noted that the consignment's exact destination is yet to be established.

This seizure is one of many recent busts involving illicit alcohol and drugs across Nakuru County, which the authorities have described as a transit hub for illegal substances.

In August, the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, named Nakuru as one of the towns used as key transit points for illicit brew and narcotics. Earlier this year, police in Gilgil seized 497 kilograms of cannabis sativa, and in November 2023, the Kenya Revenue Authority intercepted 15,000 litres of ethanol in Mai Mahiu.

Security analyst John Mwangi attributes this trend to Nakuru’s strategic location along major transport corridors.

“Most major roads pass through Nakuru, making it a convenient route for smugglers moving contraband from neighbouring regions,” he says.

Areas such as Molo, Rongai, Gilgil and Nakuru East have been identified as frequent hotspots for the smuggling and distribution of illicit alcohol and drugs.