The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested two men, Alex Mwaruta and James Munala Inyangala, in connection with a large-scale counterfeit juice production scheme in Kabete, Nairobi. According to the DCI, detectives from Kabete Police Station raided a homestead in Muthua, Kabete, after receiving a tip-off from a member of the public. The suspects were found actively producing counterfeit juice on the premises.
During the raid, detectives recovered approximately 1,400 filled bottles of juice in both 200ml and 300ml sizes, as well as 56 cartons of empty bottles, five packets of bottle tops, and two blue drums. The officers also found rubber stamps, ink, office glue, assorted stickers, and an expired certificate that had previously authorised use of the Standardisation Mark belonging to a well-known juice brand.
The DCI stated that the suspects were taken into custody immediately, and a thorough search of the property exposed the scale of the operation. The Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) detectives subsequently processed the scene, and all recovered items were secured as exhibits. The DCI warned that beverages manufactured in unregulated, unhygienic conditions pose serious health dangers to consumers who unknowingly purchase them.
The production of counterfeit beverages also poses economic risks, as it damages legitimate manufacturers competing in the same market and results in lost tax revenue for the government. The DCI urged members of the public to report similar activities by calling the toll-free line 0800 722 203 or sending a WhatsApp message to 0709 570 000.
The two suspects, Alex Mwaruta and James Munala Inyangala, remain in police custody as investigations proceed. The DCI is working to establish the source of the powdery and colourless substances packed in polythene bags in 50-gram portions, as well as in 200ml and 300ml bottles, which were found at the scene.
This is not an isolated incident, as the DCI has been cracking down on counterfeit goods in Nairobi. In a separate operation, the DCI arrested seven suspects and seized more than 3,600 packets of suspected counterfeit maize flour in Nairobi. Investigators found industrial repackaging equipment and packaging that imitated established brands.
The DCI's efforts to combat counterfeit goods have been commended by consumers and manufacturers alike. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
Key points
- Two men arrested in Kabete for producing counterfeit juice in a clandestine factory inside a homestead.
- The DCI recovered approximately 1,400 filled bottles of juice and other equipment used in the production process.
- The production of counterfeit beverages poses serious health and economic risks to consumers and the government.
