Trans Nzoia: Senior Police Officers Accused of Protecting Illicit Brewers
- Sources within the National Police Service (NPS) in Trans Nzoia claim some senior individuals are sabotaging cases involving known illicit brewers
- Some of the officers who spoke to TUKO.co.ke singled out some of the cases that were allegedly interfered with
- They also alleged that the senior officers often influence transfers of those involved in operations against illicit brewers
- However, Rift Valley regional commissioner Jasper Ombati dismissed claims that the transfers are biased
Two senior police officers in Trans Nzoia county are on the spot for allegedly colluding with notorious illicit brewers.
Source: UGC
How Trans Nzoia police allegedly help illicit brewers
Multiple sources within the National Police Service (NPS) who spoke to TUKO.co.ke on condition of anonymity, claimed that the senior officers had blatantly sabotaged criminal cases, even after charge sheets were filed, and facilitated the transfer of officers perceived as obstacles to the illicit trade.
"There is a concerted effort and determination to undermine genuine enforcement. Police transfers are used maliciously to protect the interests of key brewers," alleged one of the sources.
The source singled out a case in which Teresah Simiyu, an alleged prominent brewer of illicit liquor in Kipsaina area, is alleged to be enjoying protection from the senior police officers.
According to insiders, officers who attempted to deal with Simiyu’s illicit liquor business have faced harassment, intimidation, and punitive transfers.
Another police constable confided to TUKO.co.ke that protection fees allegedly exchange hands regularly between brewers and certain police officers. The proceeds are reportedly shared up the chain of command.
"This is a betrayal of the public trust. Those of us who genuinely want to enforce the law and ensure that President William Ruto's commitment to zero tolerance for illicit brews are treated as enemies within the service and transferred to dangerous places," claimed the officer.
On March 27, 2025, Judith Wamasinde, an alleged associate of the prominent brewer, was arrested in Aruba village, Kipsaina location, with 360 litres of chang’aa. She was charged under the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010, for possession of liquor that failed to meet health standards.
Source: Facebook
Initially, her arrest brought a glamour of hope that authorities were taking a tougher stance against illegal brewing. However, officers involved in the operation soon reported allegedly facing threats and mounting pressure from senior officials.
"After Wamasinde’s arrest, everything changed. It became clear that some people wanted this case buried,” an officer involved in the case alleged.
Trans Nzoia police involved in operation against illicit brews transferred
On April 1, 2025, Wamasinde was fined KSh 500,000 or sentenced to 18 months in prison. Instead of celebrating a successful operation, several officers involved allegedly found themselves abruptly transferred to remote regions, including Samburu and Turkana counties, an alleged move widely perceived as punitive.
"This was not a routine transfer. It was a clear message: If you touch certain people, you’ll pay the price," one of the officers affected lamented.
Responding to the matter, Trans Nzoia county police commander Paul Wambugu told TUKO.co.ke that the matter was under investigation.
"We are currently investigating the case, and if we find that it is true, then we shall take necessary action. If it is just mere allegations, we shall just disregard," Wambugu said.
However, Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Jasper Ombati downplayed the uproar, insisting the transfers were procedural.
He noted that the affected officers have no option but to report to their new work stations.
"Transfers are normal in the police service. Officers must comply with deployment orders and report to their new stations without delay," Ombati said.
Molo villagers torch houses of illicit brewers
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that angry villagers in Sasimwa, Kuresoi North, within Nakuru county, torched seven houses belonging to suspected illicit brewers.
The locals lamented that increased illicit brewing in the area had led to the destruction of families.
Authorities confirmed the incident and said an investigation had been launched.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Joshua Cheloti (Editorial assistant) Joshua Cheloti is a multi-skilled journalist with over 5 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media and Communication at Mount Kenya University. At TUKO, he's an editorial assistant. Before TUKO, he worked at Nairobi Review as an editorial writer, at Hope Media (Hope TV and Hope FM) as a correspondent in Eldoret, Hivisasa.com digital content editor and online writer, at Biblia Husema Broadcasting (BHB), Eldoret as Radio Presenter. Email: Joshua.cheloti@tuko.co.ke
Emanuel Tarus I am professional multi-media journalist with eight years experience as a field-based correspondent. Integrity, objectivity and adherence to ethical standards are my guiding principles in journalism. I am based in Trans Nzoia county and very passionate about gender, crime, environment and climate change reporting. I am also interested in health, human interest, development, leadership and governance beats. In the future, I would like to specialize in diplomacy and geopolitics reporting to expand my reporting scope.
