The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) yesterday led a multi-agency raid in Shimanzi, Mombasa, seizing counterfeit cooking oil worth an estimated Ksh. 100 million. The joint operation brought together ACA, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Kenya Revenue Authority, National Police Service, and other government agencies. Seven suspects were arrested at the scene and booked at Makupa Police Station. The principal suspect and four accomplices escaped but are currently being pursued by law enforcement.

Speaking about the raid, the Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge said, “This operation is a strong signal that Kenya will not tolerate counterfeit trade, especially in essential commodities such as cooking oil. Beyond the economic sabotage, the counterfeiters were endangering the health and safety of millions of Kenyans. We will pursue every lead to ensure the perpetrators face justice,”

The raid uncovered fourteen trucks loaded with oil, several 20-litre jerricans, drums, and packaging materials for repackaging under Kenyan leading cooking oil brands. The premises, referred to as the “Shamba,” has since been secured as a crime scene, with investigators continuing to audit the stock and recover critical evidence.

“Our investigations show that this was a highly coordinated syndicate that smuggled expired cooking oil into the country and rebranded it for unsuspecting consumers. Such illicit activities not only threaten public health but also undermine legitimate businesses and deny the government vital revenue,” added Dr. Njoroge.

The latest raid follows other recent seizures in the coastal region, including large consignments of counterfeit sugar worth over KSh 10 million that was impounded in Malindi last month. The government has heightened surveillance at entry points and across supply chains to safeguard public health, ensure consumer safety, and protect the integrity of Kenya’s food markets.

ACA is working closely with brand owners to verify infringements and protect intellectual property rights. Investigations remain ongoing to dismantle the full network behind the illicit trade.

“Let this be a clear warning to counterfeiters: Kenya is not a safe haven for illicit trade. The government, through ACA and our partners, will pursue these criminal networks relentlessly until they are dismantled and the rights of consumers and genuine manufacturers are fully safeguarded,” concluded Dr. Njoroge. #Ends