The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers in Kisii accompanied by local police have uncovered an illegal sugar repackaging scheme in a multi-storey building in Kenyenya Sub County.
Acting on a tip from the public, the area Sub County Police Commander, Charles Opondo confirmed they had arrested a middle-aged woman who allegedly collaborated with other individuals in repackaging the sugar from Tanzania and Uganda.
The sugar was being labelled using brands such as Mara, Sony, and other local millers to conceal its true origin.
During the raid conducted on Monday morning, it was discovered that the suspects were operating in unhygienic conditions and without proper weighing equipment.
Opondo stated that Kenya Bureau of Standards and National Environment Management Authority officials had been briefed about the incident for further investigations and laboratory testing of the seized sugar.
The owner of the premise, Dorcas Kemunto, claimed that she had rented the house to an individual named Sam Ouko, who is currently on the run, adding that she was unaware of the illegal activities taking place on her property.
The detectives are now conducting a manhunt for additional individuals believed to be involved in the unauthorized sugar operations in Mogonga, Kenyenya, Ogembo, and Kisii towns.
Local residents had noticed unusual business activities within the closed-off building, raising suspicions.
This discovery comes amidst the government’s ongoing efforts to crack down on contraband sugar that was released to a trader who later repackaged and sold it to unsuspecting Kenyans despite the cargo being flagged by authorities.
