Diageo Accused of Ignoring Counterfeit EABL Alcohol Crisis as #EABLExit and Trump’s Kenya Ban Spark Outrage

A growing scandal is engulfing global alcohol giant Diageo, as mounting evidence suggests the company turned a blind eye to widespread counterfeit alcohol under its East African Breweries Limited (EABL) brand a decision that may have cost at least 20 lives in Kenya.

Critics say Diageo put profits before people, allowing fake EABL-branded products to flood markets while quietly planning its #EABLExit from Kenya. Now, as former U.S. President Donald Trump announces a sweeping ban on Kenyan exports, the world is paying attention.

Deadly Counterfeits, Ignored Warnings

Reports from investigative journalists, whistleblowers, and local watchdogs confirm that communities across Kenya have long raised alarm over the rampant presence of fake EABL alcohol — some laced with toxic methanol. Despite repeated pleas, Diageo allegedly failed to act, even as victims filled hospital beds and funeral homes.

“Diageo had the resources, data, and responsibility to stop this,” said Dr. Miriam Oloo, a public health expert in Nairobi. “Instead, they looked away while people died drinking what they thought was safe, branded alcohol.”

According to insiders, internal documents reveal Diageo was aware of counterfeiting issues as far back as 2021 — but delayed intervention over fears of affecting quarterly profits and investor confidence.

The Exit Plan and Cover-Up Claims

In early 2025, Diageo shocked stakeholders by announcing a phased exit from EABL operations in Kenya, citing “strategic restructuring.” But leaked emails now suggest the move may be part of a larger cover-up strategy — a discreet attempt to distance the brand from accountability before regulatory and legal fallout escalates.

Social media users have dubbed it the “Diageo CoverUp”, with hashtags like #EABLExit and #TrumpBansKenya trending across platforms. Critics say the company is “washing its hands” of the region after decades of extracting profit without sufficient local reinvestment in safety or oversight.

Trump’s Export Ban Adds Fuel to the Fire

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump — who remains an influential voice in global trade circles announced a full ban on imports from Kenya, citing “public health negligence, corruption, and product safety concerns.”

In a fiery speech, Trump said:

“If a company like Diageo can knowingly distribute poisoned liquor and get away with it, we need to rethink who we’re trading with. Kenya must be held accountable — and so must Diageo.”

While Trump’s move is controversial and politically charged, it has forced global media to scrutinize Diageo’s operations and Kenya’s regulatory failures.

Global Repercussions, Local Grief

For grieving families in Kenya, justice remains elusive. Many say the fake alcohol looked identical to EABL’s real products — even carrying security seals — making it nearly impossible to detect.

“We buried my brother last month after he drank what he thought was Tusker,” said Lydia Achieng, a sister of one victim. “No warning. No recall. No help. Just silence.”

Kenyan activists are now demanding an international investigation into Diageo and full compensation for victims’ families.

A Reputation at Risk

Diageo, whose portfolio includes global brands like Johnnie Walker, Guinness, and Smirnoff, has so far issued only a brief statement denying direct responsibility, blaming counterfeiters and “systemic regulatory gaps.” But critics argue the company reaped billions in profits from East African markets and must answer for the human cost.

“This isn’t just about fake alcohol,” said political analyst Eric Mwangi. “It’s about corporate greed, weak governance, and the ease with which multinationals walk away when things get messy.”

What Happens Next?

With global leaders weighing in, victims speaking out, and public pressure mounting, Diageo’s #EABLExit may not go as smoothly as planned. The scandal is fast becoming a case study in corporate accountability, consumer safety, and post-colonial exploitation in modern trade.

As one activist put it: