KRA Seizes Illicit Cigarettes Worth KSh 12 Million in Gatundu North

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has seized illicit cigarettes valued at approximately KSh 12 million following a multi-agency operation conducted in Mutuma area, Gatundu North, Kiambu County.

The operation, conducted on 3 November 2026, followed intelligence received by KRA’s team regarding a suspected major distributor and retailer of illicit cigarettes operating in the area. Part of the information received indicated that a consignment of illicit cigarettes had been delivered to the suspect’s premises using a Toyota Noah motor vehicle.

KRA enforcement officers identified the premises where several cartons of Super Match cigarettes were stored. A multi-agency team comprising officers from the Investigation and Enforcement Department (IED), Micro and Small Taxpayers Enforcement Department (MSTED) Thika, and Sub- County Police Commander, Gatundu North, conducted a raid and subsequent search of the premises.

The operation resulted in the recovery of 204 boxes of Super Match cigarettes, comprising 76 boxes containing 10,000 sticks each and 128 boxes containing 5,000sticks each. The team also recovered two boxes of ORIS Slim Double Apple cigarettes, each containing 10,000 sticks, an additional 5,800 sticks of ORIS Slim Double Apple cigarettes, and 600 sticks of ORIS Slim Strawberry cigarettes. The recovered consignment, comprising various cigarette brands, has an estimated value of KSh 12 million.

The scene was processed and documented by the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) team from Thika, while KRA enforcement team issued a Notice of Offence. All recovered exhibits were escorted to and secured at the KRA Warehouse in Thika for safe custody and further action.

The operation underscores KRA’s commitment to combating illicit trade through intelligence-led enforcement and multi-agency collaboration. The Authority will continue strengthening its enforcement interventions to protect government revenue, promote fair competition for compliant businesses and safeguard consumers from illicit products.

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