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Journalist Allan Namu’s Expose Of Smuggling Ring Calls For Immediate Response From Government

SK 2 years ago 2 min read

According to Stop Crime Kenya(StoCK), a shocking new documentary that exposes Kenya’s rife counterfeit and smuggling sector warrants an immediate response from politicians.

The research conducted by John Allan Namu’s media outlet African Uncensored uncovers the law enforcement officials’ pervasive involvement in the smuggling of illegal products, including sugar and cigarettes, which deprives Kenyans of billions of shillings annually.

Insiders, who are filmed speaking under the condition of anonymity, describe high-ranking authorities overseeing cartels that engage in illegal trade, the bribery of police and border agents, and the fatal repercussions that await anyone who attempts to report these damaging practices.

StoCK chairman Stephen Mutoro said: “This chilling expose by African Uncensored illustrates how deeply entrenched the menace of illicit trade has become as consumers struggle to cope with the soaring cost of living.

“The revelation that large convoys of vehicles are trafficking tax-evading goods into and around our country is alarming enough. To hear that the officers meant to be combating this crimewave are actively colluding in it – and in some cases even control those vehicles – proves that the system is broken and our lawmakers must take urgent action.”

According to Dr. John Akoten, deputy head of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), the value of the trade in fake or illegally imported items has reached record heights and exceeds Sh800 billion annually.

Nearly four million Kenyans use counterfeit goods, including sugar, cigarettes, bottled water, and cooking oil, posing a major risk to their health and security and robbing our economy of necessary money. It is estimated that one in five products sold in Kenya are fake.

Mr Mutoro said: “The message for consumers is clear: buying cheap can have expensive consequences.

“The message for authorities is even starker: they cannot afford any delay in action against the cartels who are looting our nation.

“Smuggling syndicates are getting rich, corrupting officials and endangering lives. Government must rethink its approach to illicit trade, enforcement agencies must redouble their efforts to counter illicit trade and the justice system must ensure that any participants in illicit trade suffer the harshest of punishments.”