Makueni County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi in a Past National Function. File Photo. 
By Andrew Mbuva
The Makueni County Security Committee has ordered the immediate closure of two bars and the revocation of their liquor licences as investigations continue into allegations that a liquor brand known as Jambo Ice is linked to a series of suspected deaths in Kathonzweni Sub-county.
Addressing the media after convening an emergency meeting of the Makueni County Liquor Licensing Committee, Makueni County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi urged the public to remain calm, saying there is currently no scientific evidence linking the reported deaths to the consumption of the liquor.
The emergency meeting brought together the Liquor Licensing Committee chairperson and members, the County Director of Liquor Licensing, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) county team, and security officials from Kathonzweni Sub-county to review findings from ongoing investigations.
Abdullahi said samples of the suspected liquor were collected in May and submitted to the Government Chemist for laboratory analysis, but results are yet to be released due to a backlog at the laboratory.
"We are hopeful that the results will be released soon. At present, there is no scientific evidence establishing a link between the reported deaths and consumption of the liquor. Any conclusions can only be made after the laboratory findings are received," he said.
The County Commissioner noted that preliminary investigations established that the liquor is distributed from Nairobi and not manufactured within Makueni County. He added that the county currently has only two licensed liquor distributors—Malili and MC Wines.
Earlier investigations by NACADA and the county security team included searches at premises in Kathonzweni and Kyuasini allegedly associated with the liquor, as well as the residence of the suspected proprietor.
According to the committee, investigators recovered numerous empty bottles and molasses but found no evidence that illicit liquor was being manufactured at the residence.
Abdullahi also revealed that a post-mortem examination on one of the deceased individuals, whose death prompted the multi-agency operation, established that the cause of death was a heart attack.
"As of now, no evidence has been presented linking the death to the consumption of Jambo Ice," he said.
The committee further inspected Coco Beach A Bar in Kathonzweni, where officials confirmed the establishment possessed a valid 2026 on-bar licence. However, inspectors recovered eight crates and 10 bottles of cigarettes, alongside 10 bottles of 750ml Jambo Ice and seven crates and five bottles of the 500ml variant.
Investigators raised concerns after barcode scans on several bottles generated inconsistent product information. Some bottles identified themselves as Tycoon Vodka 250ml, while others produced results corresponding to different bottle sizes. Officials also found that some 500ml Jambo Ice bottles had been packaged in reused East African Breweries Limited bottles.
The committee further questioned the unusually low retail price of the liquor, noting that a 750ml bottle was selling for about Sh150, significantly below prevailing market prices for similar products.
At Coco Beach B Bar in Kyuasini, inspectors found the premises deserted despite prior assurances from the proprietor that the team would receive full cooperation. Windows were left open, music was still playing, and a television remained switched on. The inspection team waited for about an hour and made repeated attempts to contact the proprietors, but all calls went unanswered.
"The committee formed the opinion that the attendants deliberately fled upon learning of the inspection," Abdullahi said.
Following the inspections, the County Commissioner directed the immediate closure of both establishments and ordered the revocation of their liquor licences pending further investigations.
To strengthen compliance, Abdullahi announced that all bar owners in Kathonzweni Ward will attend a mandatory meeting on July 2, 2026, at the Deputy County Commissioner's boardroom.
The meeting will focus on approved liquor brands, licensing requirements, operating hours, and regulations governing entertainment in licensed premises.
He further announced that county and national government agencies will launch a joint enforcement operation targeting non-compliant liquor outlets to enhance public safety and curb the circulation of suspected illicit alcohol.
The County Commissioner appealed to residents to avoid speculation on social media and allow investigators to complete their work, assuring the public that appropriate action will be taken once the Government Chemist releases the laboratory findings
