Murang’a Man Fined Ksh. 9.2 Million Over Illegal Alcohol, Counterfeit Stamps

A Murang’a man has been fined Ksh. 9.2 million or face four years in prison after being found guilty of multiple offences related to the illegal manufacture and possession of alcoholic products and counterfeit excise stamps.

Dennis Muiruri Kamande was convicted and sentenced by Resident Magistrate Renna Jakinda at the Kenol Law Courts following a judgment delivered on June 10, 2026.

In her ruling, Hon. Jakinda found that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt after presenting evidence from 11 witnesses. The case was prosecuted by Ms. Peris Gathu.

Kamande faced six charges under the Excise Duty Act, 2015 and the Anti-Counterfeit Act, 2008. The charges included manufacturing excisable goods without a valid excise duty licence, possessing excisable goods obtained in contravention of the law, possessing alcoholic products affixed with counterfeit excise stamps, and trading in counterfeit goods.

The court heard that on September 21, 2023, investigators raided premises at New Farm Village along the Markfirst–Kwa Jimmy Road in Ithanga/Kakuzi Sub-County, Murang’a County, where the accused was found manufacturing and storing alcoholic products without the required licence.

During the operation, authorities recovered 60 bottles and 287 cans of various alcohol brands, 320 litres of ethanol, and one reel of counterfeit excise stamps believed to have been used to facilitate the illegal operation.

The court subsequently sentenced Kamande to pay a cumulative fine of Ksh. 9,213,972.48. In default of payment, he will serve four years in prison.

The conviction has been hailed as a significant step in the fight against illicit trade, tax evasion, and counterfeit products. Authorities noted that such illegal activities not only deny the government revenue but also expose consumers to potentially harmful products while undermining legitimate businesses operating within the law.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the conviction demonstrates its continued commitment to cracking down on illegal manufacturing, counterfeit goods, and other economic crimes that threaten public health, safety, and fair trade.