Patiala Distillers K Limited has rejected allegations circulating on social media questioning the authenticity of its alcoholic products and claims linking the company to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The company said it is a licensed alcohol manufacturer operating in Kenya and does not manufacture or sell counterfeit alcoholic products. It also said counterfeit goods bearing its brands should not be attributed to the company.
The statement comes as the government intensifies its crackdown on illicit and unsafe alcohol, with Kindiki ordering fresh inspections of all alcohol manufacturing premises across the country.
The Deputy President directed enforcement and regulatory agencies to re-inspect manufacturers and establish whether they remain compliant with applicable standards and regulations. The exercise will cover manufacturers that already hold valid licences, with authorities expected to establish their current compliance status.
Kindiki has warned that manufacturers found producing alcoholic drinks harmful to consumers will face enforcement action, as the government targets illicit alcohol supply chains.
Patiala responds to counterfeit claims
Patiala said its products are manufactured under its licensed operations and urged consumers to report suspicious products or outlets to the company or relevant enforcement agencies.
The company has previously been involved in legal proceedings concerning the seizure of some of its products.
A Kenya Law record shows that Patiala told the High Court it was licensed to manufacture and package alcoholic products in Kenya and manufactured brands including Diamond Ice, Flying Horse, Best, Blue Ice, Chase and Genius Gin. The company also said its products complied with Kenya Bureau of Standards requirements.
The dispute followed the seizure of alcoholic products in Mathira East in February 2024 and their subsequent destruction. Patiala challenged the actions in court, seeking compensation and other orders.
The company’s latest statement comes amid heightened scrutiny of alcoholic products, particularly following concerns over illicit brews and alcohol-related deaths in parts of the country.
Company denies alleged link to Kindiki
Patiala has also denied claims associating the company with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The allegations have circulated publicly amid political and public debate over the government’s campaign against illicit alcohol. Patiala’s lawyers have reportedly said the company is legally registered and that Kindiki has no connection with its ownership.
The company has not accepted the allegations and has maintained that its operations should be distinguished from counterfeit products that may unlawfully bear its brands.
The claims linking Patiala to Kindiki remain allegations and would require independent evidence to establish their accuracy.
Government orders fresh alcohol inspections
Kindiki’s directive is part of a wider multi-agency campaign involving agencies including the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Anti-Counterfeit Authority and National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
The government says the inspections are intended to disrupt illicit alcohol networks, identify non-compliant manufacturers and protect consumers from harmful products.
Kindiki has also announced plans for national and county governments to establish at least one public rehabilitation centre in every county within a year as part of the broader response to alcohol and drug abuse.
The fresh inspections are expected to place alcohol manufacturers across the country under renewed scrutiny over licensing, product quality, taxation, manufacturing standards and consumer safety.
