Kiambu County seems to have lots of tax evaders especially liquor distributors. Weeks after Kenyan authorities launched a manhunt on Africa Spirits limited over tax evasion, another liquor distributor is under search. Police on Saturday night raided Two Cousins Distillers Limited in Thika as part of an investigation into allegations of tax evasion and other offences. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) explained that the raid came after officers confiscated contraband goods en route to Karuri, Kiambu County. “The driver of the vehicle was arrested and investigations led DCI detectives to Two Cousins Distillers-Munene Industry,” it said.
The DCI reported that drums of ethanol, cartons of Trace Vodka and documents were taken from the company. It did not give details of the investigation but said Two Cousins was placed under tight security following the operation led by the Flying Squad. It added that the directors of the company were at large.
On February 24, Platinum Distillers Limited, an alcoholic drinks manufacturer based in Ruiru, was closed down over an alleged plot to evade payment of up to Sh14 million in taxes. The factory was shut during a sting operation by officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Four people were arrested. Platinum’s case came a few weeks after that of African spirits, a Thika-based alcohol manufacturing plant.
Early in February, African Spirits was found in possession of ethanol of questionable quality and suspected fake KRA stamps following a raid officers from the Flying Squad, the KRA and the DCI. The company is the producer of Bluemoon vodka, Legend brandy, Glenrock whiskey, Furaha gin, and Furaha Vodka, among others drinks.