Machakos: Three suspects have been arrested in Mumbuni of Machakos County, and a vehicle impounded with counterfeit liquor worth Sh3.4 million.
According to Kenya News Agency, Machakos Deputy County Commissioner, David Rotich, revealed that the counterfeit liquor was discovered at a residential house in Mumbuni after a tip-off from the public prompted a swift response from the Machakos joint security team.
The Deputy County Commissioner, while addressing the press at the County Commander’s Office, shared that law enforcement seized 466 boxes of Trace alcohol and 517 boxes of Super brand counterfeit alcohol from the suspects, with an estimated value of Sh.3.4 million. “Police officers, acting on a tip-off from members of the public, went to the Mumbuni area, arrested three suspects, and confiscated two different brands of counterfeit liquor,” stated Rotich.
He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various agencies, including Nacada, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBs), and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), w
ho are assisting in the investigations and verification of the counterfeit liquor. Machakos County Police Commander, Patrick Lobolia, attributed the successful confiscation of the counterfeit liquor to the strong relationship between the community and the police in Mumbuni.
Lobolia noted that the increase in police patrols in Machakos town has pushed criminals to hide their illegal activities in the villages, and assured that the police remain vigilant to flush them out of their hideouts. He issued a stern warning to landlords and house owners in Machakos, urging them to vet their tenants thoroughly to avoid renting their properties to criminals, as they risk facing arrest if they fail to do so.
“Those who rent out their houses or apartments should ensure they vet their tenants, to know who they are and where they work, or they will get arrested,” Lobolia warned. The Police Commander confirmed that the three suspects are currently in custody, awaiting the completion of the investigation and subsequent arrai
gnment in court.