Former NACADA chairman John Mututho claims no genuine vodka is produced in Kenya
Former NACADA chairman John Mututho has stated that no genuine vodka is manufactured in Kenya, asserting that local producers do not meet internationally recognized standards for the spirit. He made these remarks during an interview, emphasizing that companies selling vodka in Kenya should adhere to global standards. Mututho also alleged that one company imports 80% of the industrial ethanol consumed in Kenya, though he did not identify the company or provide evidence for this figure. His claims were not independently verified. This is not the first time Mututho has questioned the authenticity of locally produced vodka; he made similar statements in February 2024, challenging manufacturers to prove their products meet genuine vodka standards. He argued that specific raw materials and processes are required for genuine vodka and called for inspection of local distilleries. Mututho, known for his strong stance against illicit alcohol and drug abuse, previously claimed in February 2025 that over 85% of Kenyans consume "poison" due to the high cost of genuine imported alcoholic products. His comments coincide with intensified efforts by Kenyan authorities against counterfeit and illicit alcoholic products, including recent seizures of suspected fake spirits by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and multi-agency operations by NACADA.
