# Kenya illicit alcohol crackdown > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kenya-illicit-alcohol-crackdown > Updated: 2026-10-06T17:56:22.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Kenyan Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has initiated a government-led crackdown on illicit alcohol and toxic brews. The operation began with a directive to inspect all alcohol manufacturing plants to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to close premises operating without proper licenses. To address the issue, Kindiki ordered intelligence-led multi-agency operations to dismantle cartels and disrupt supply chains. He also called for a sector forum to coordinate licensing and establish a framework for national and county government collaboration on rehabilitation centers. As the situation progressed, Kindiki intensified his rhetoric, vowing an “unending war” against cartels that adulterate drinks with harmful chemicals. He highlighted the severe public health risks, noting that such substances have caused loss of consciousness and damage to reproductive health. Kindiki emphasized that the crackdown targets illicit brews rather than standard products and urged politicians to remain uninvolved in the mission. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-06: Kithure Kindiki vows crackdown on toxic alcohol cartels Kenyan Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has vowed an “unending war” against cartels producing toxic, adulterated alcohol to protect public health and reproductive safety. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kithure-kindiki-vows-crackdown-on-toxic-alcohol-cartels ### 2026-09-29: Kenya Deputy President orders crackdown on illicit alcohol Kenya's Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has ordered a crackdown on illicit alcohol, directing agencies to re-inspect manufacturing plants and close premises that fail to meet regulatory standards. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kenya-deputy-president-orders-crackdown-on-illicit-alcohol --- Cite as: Kenya illicit alcohol crackdown. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kenya-illicit-alcohol-crackdown