Five individuals have been arrested following a crackdown on illicit brew in Ikutha Sub-County, Kitui County. The arrests took place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, during an early morning operation targeting illegal alcohol production in Kathiome village, Kasaala Sub-Location.
During the operation, law enforcement officers seized 205 litres of an illicit brew known locally as mukasa. The suspects were taken into custody and transported to Ikutha Police Station, where they are undergoing processing pending arraignment in court. Authorities emphasized that such operations are part of ongoing efforts to eradicate the production and sale of harmful brews, which continue to pose serious health and social risks in various communities.
This crackdown comes just a day after another raid in Dandora led to the seizure of 100 litres of kangara, another illegal brew. The operation in Dandora was carried out on Thursday, July 17, 2025, targeting brewing sites along the Nairobi River in the Mwengenye area near Dandora Bridge. In addition to seizing the illicit alcohol, officers destroyed over ten 20-litre plastic jerricans and other brewing equipment found at the sites. A metal tank used for distillation was also dismantled to prevent further production.
These recent operations are part of a broader nationwide campaign aimed at curbing illicit alcohol and narcotics. Authorities have intensified crackdowns on illegal brewing dens due to the harmful effects of these unregulated products, which have caused numerous health complications and fatalities in the past. Illicit brews often contain toxic substances and are produced without any safety standards, making them extremely dangerous for consumption.
Last month, more than 12,000 litres of kangara and chang’aa were seized in Kisii County in one of the largest raids to date. Although suspects in that case managed to evade arrest, police indicated they are pursuing strong leads and remain committed to dismantling the networks behind these illegal businesses.
Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting efforts to eliminate illicit brews. They highlighted that community cooperation is vital in identifying illegal operations, as such activities often occur within residential areas, putting entire neighbourhoods at risk.
Illicit brewing not only threatens public health but is also linked to other forms of criminal activity, including drug trafficking and violence. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining consistent operations across all counties to ensure that these harmful substances are removed from circulation.
The arrests in Kitui and the raids in Dandora mark significant progress in the ongoing fight against illegal alcohol production, signaling that security agencies are determined to curb this menace.
