Police in Lari Sub-County, Kiambu County, have intercepted a tanker carrying 10,000 litres of suspected industrial ethanol along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway.
Authorities believe the consignment may have been destined for an illicit alcohol manufacturing operation in Nairobi.
Three people travelling in the tanker were arrested and are expected to assist investigators in establishing the source and intended destination of the suspected ethanol.
Suspected Ethanol Sent for Laboratory Analysis
Kiambu County Commissioner George Matundura said samples of the substance had been submitted to the Government Chemist for analysis to establish whether it was industrial ethanol.
Matundura said the consignment could have been used to manufacture second-generation alcoholic drinks with an estimated street value of Sh28 million had it reached its intended destination.
The interception has raised concerns over the methods allegedly being used to transport substances suspected to be destined for illegal alcohol production.
Police Set Up Roadblocks Across Kiambu
Meanwhile, Kiambu County Police Commander Kennedy Samani has ordered the establishment of police roadblocks along major roads entering the county.
The checkpoints will allow officers to inspect vehicles and monitor the movement of substances suspected to be linked to illicit activities.
Police said the tanker had been disguised as a fuel transportation vehicle, raising further concerns about attempts to conceal the transportation of suspected industrial ethanol.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities await laboratory results that will determine the nature of the substance and guide further action against those arrested.
