Coffee flavoured alcohol from Uganda sold in Kijabe Mission Area
By Kiambu Magazine Reporter
Residents of Kijabe Mission area told Nacada officials and the police during a crackdown of illicit alcohol in their locality that they were worried of the infiltration of psychoactive substances.
Kijabe Mission area has for decades been known as the only alcohol-free, tobacco-free and drug free part of the Republic of Kenya.
However, on 17th December 2025, NACADA and the police arrested two suspects and also seized bottles of illicit alcohol in Kijabe town and the neighbouring Mai Mahiu area.
The officers from Nacada and the police service raided homes and business premises following information leads from the residents who were growing tired of the menace.
The woman who was arrested had in stock Ugandan coffee-flavoured vodka stashed away in her residential home at the Mission area. She was allegedly accused of working in cohorts with a manager at the AIC Kijabe Printing Press, who remains at large.
The second person arrested was a man at the Mai Mahiu area where 2,526 plastic bottles of alcohol, each containing 200 millilitres of a substance were recovered. These were also suspected to have been smuggled across the border from Uganda.
NACADA CEO Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the operation was part of an initiative to curb the sale and consumption of illicit alcohol during the festive season. Authorities would also remain on high alert to also avoid road accidents caused by drunk driving.
Kenyans were warned by NACADA that those found dealing in the manufacture, distribution and/or sale of illicit alcohol would be prosecuted, and the licences of compliant manufacturers and distributors associated with such illegal businesses risking cancellation of their licences.
Residents have asked the County Government of Kiambu to be more vigilant when issuing licences, and protect the Kijabe Mission area from such retrogressive practices of abuse.
A shop registered as a ‘general store’ by the County in Kimende Ndogo is accused by the residents of selling cigarettes, illicit drugs and alcohol to the detriment of the youthful population the church works day and night to protect.
“The church builds the young men, Kimende Ndogo destroys them,” said a resident who requested for anonymity.
In the past, Kenyans have faced tremendous loss from illicit alcohol that included death of family members and loved ones, loss of sight, and maiming.
A life of alcohol and drug abuse has resulted to an unproductive youthful population, which costs the country millions of shillings annually.
Nacada and security officers remain on high alert to ensure and promote responsible drinking, and that counterfeit goods are off the shelves.
