Manufacturer disassociates itself from DP Kindiki, rejects illicit alcohol claims

By  Richard Munguti

Correspondent

Nation Media Group

Patiala Distillers K Limited has denied allegations linking the company to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki amid claims by politicians that he is associated with the manufacture and distribution of illicit alcohol in Mt Kenya region.

The company, through its legal director and lawyers Brian Murithi, Danstan Omari and Stanley Kinyanjui, said Prof Kindiki has no connection with the legally registered alcohol manufacturer.

The lawyers said the company’s directors and shareholders are duly listed at the Registrar of Companies and dismissed claims that Kindiki is associated with the firm either directly, through an agency arrangement or through proxies.

“Patiala has nothing to do with Prof Kindiki and has no association with any political formation. Kindiki is neither a shareholder nor a director, either through agency or proxies,” Murithi said.

At the same time, the company has given two senators, John Methu (Nyandarua) and Karungo Thang’wa (Kiambu), 48 hours to retract and apologise to the company for linking it to the manufacture and distribution of illicit beer products and also linking its products to Prof Kindiki.

Patiala’s lawyers have demanded that the two vocal senators desist from making disparaging statements about its products, saying they “are manufactured to the required legal standards”.

The two politicians made the remarks, which were widely circulated on social media, while addressing rallies within the Mt Kenya region.

“We hereby demand that you immediately cease and desist from making, publishing, repeating, reposting, endorsing or causing to be published any statement alleging or implying that Patiala Distillers (K) Limited is owned, controlled, operated or financed by H.E Prof Kithure Kindiki,” the lawyers said in a demand letter.

The company said it will take legal action against politicians and other individuals who continue linking its name to the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit or illicit alcoholic products.

Patiala also rejected claims questioning the authenticity and safety of its products, maintaining that it is a legally licensed manufacturer operating in Kenya and that its products comply with regulatory requirements.

The company’s quality assurance officer, Mugiira Withiga, urged consumers to distinguish genuine Patiala products from counterfeit drinks bearing similar branding.

“Our products have distinctive physical and chemical features which are standardised and approved by various government agencies,” Withiga said.

In a statement, the company said it would “spare no efforts” in protecting its products and reputation, insisting that its alcoholic beverages meet the standards set by relevant regulators.

The company further warned consumers against confusing genuine products with counterfeit goods and urged them to report suspicious products or outlets to Patiala or the relevant enforcement agencies.

The statement comes amid a renewed government crackdown on illicit and counterfeit alcohol, particularly following concerns over deaths and illnesses associated with unsafe alcoholic drinks in parts of the Mt Kenya region.

Kindiki has directed authorities to conduct fresh inspections of alcohol manufacturing premises across the country. The exercise is expected to include manufacturers that already hold valid licences, with authorities assessing compliance with health, safety, quality and other regulatory requirements.

The Deputy President has said manufacturers found producing alcoholic beverages that pose a danger to consumers could face closure.

Patiala said it supports regulatory efforts to eliminate counterfeit and unsafe alcoholic products but insisted that its legally manufactured and approved products should not be confused with illicit drinks.

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