The Bar, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association (BAHLITA) has filed an official complaint with the Inspector General of Police, raising alarm over what it calls “widespread fraudulent operations” allegedly conducted by a private firm, Multi Works and Rights Enforcements Company Limited, in collaboration with rogue police officers.

The complaint, dated October 15, 2025, claims that the firm has been involved in extortion, impersonation of government agencies, and harassment of licensed traders across multiple counties.

The BAHLITA Secretary General, Boniface Gachoka, wrote in the letter to the Inspector General Douglas Kanja that the association has been receiving more reports of illegal enforcement activities targeting bars, hotels, retail shops, and entertainment venues.

“We are raising a serious concern regarding the ongoing fraudulent activities that are being carried out by the members of Multi Works and Rights Enforcements Company Limited,a privately owned firm fraudulently enforcing consumer rights laws by posing as officers from CAK, ACA, and KEBS,” the letter states

BAHLITA claims that the firm has been illegally conducting raids, arrests, and extortion activities in the name of representing various government regulatory agencies, including the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK), Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

Government Agencies Have Disowned the Firm

According to BAHLITA, multiple government bodies have already issued public notices dissociating with the entity.

CAK issued its warning in March 2024, ACA in April 2024, and KEBS gave the same warning in April 2024, April 2025, and June 2025.

The traders’ association says that despite these warnings, the group is still operating across the country.

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Alleged Misconduct by the Firm

The letter reports that the fraudulent activities include:

• Conducting unauthorised inspections.
• Seizing goods from bars, shops, and entertainment establishments.
• Demanding on-the-spot fines and bribes ranging between KSh 10,000 and 50,000.
• Forging Kenya Gazette notices and forged “Powers of Attorney.
• Collaborating with certain rogue police officers.
• Harassing or intimidating traders to give out bribes.

BAHLITA further cites Kenya Gazette notices 7851 of 2023, 12014 of 2023, and 208 of 2024, which it claims were being misused by the group and have since been canceled.

Incidents Reported

BAHLITA reports that recent cases of harassment associated with the group have been reported in:

Nairobi, Bomet, Kisumu, Kakamega, Machakos, Meru, Nyandarua, Kenol, Kisii, Kapsabet, Kapsowar, Mombasa, Tharaka Nithi, Wote, Kirinyaga, and Voi.

“Traders have been unlawfully arrested and extorted,” the letter states, claiming that the operations have led to loss of business, fear, and disruption in the entertainment sector.

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BAHLITA Committee Demands Urgent Intervention by Inspector General.

The association is calling on the Inspector General to step in and save the licensed traders against further harassment.

Their requests include:

1. Immediate Investigation

“We respectfully request that your office immediately investigate the operations of Multi-Works and Rights Enforcements Company Ltd and its associates, particularly the alleged collaboration with some police officers.”

2. Nationwide Directive to Police

They would like the IG to issue orders to the officers not to escort or assist any unverified organization that says it implements the government rules.

3. Coordination with State Agencies

BAHLITA requests the police to collaborate with KEBS, CAK, ACA, EACC, and the DCI to bring the perpetrators to justice.

4. Protection for Traders

The association also encourages the IG to ensure that county police commanders prevent unlawful raids disguised as compliance checks.

As it condemned the frauds, BAHLITA affirmed that it fully supports law enforcement.

Gachoka writes, “BAHLITA fully supports lawful enforcement operations and compliance with national standards and consumer protection laws.”

He adds that ongoing fraudulent activities” undermine public trust, tarnish the reputation of genuine agencies and endanger legitimate business operations.”

In an appeal to the government, the association is now calling for immediate action to restore order, protect the traders, and ensure accountability for officials allegedly enabling the illegal operations.

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BAHLITA said multiple government bodies have already issued public notices dissociating with the entity. PHOTO/BAHLITA.