A multi-agency security team in Kakamega County has destroyed 640 litres of illicit brew following a targeted crackdown on illegal brews and drugs in Shisele, Shikhombelo, and Mukoyani areas. The operation, conducted on September 29, 2025, saw the team raid a suspected brewing site, where they seized brewing equipment and containers of Kangara, a notorious local illicit drink.
The operation was part of a broader effort to combat the production and distribution of illicit alcohol across the region. According to the National Police Service (NPS), the raid uncovered a metal tank used for distillation, along with various containers containing the illegal brew. Although the suspect believed to be behind the brewing operation managed to flee into a nearby sugar plantation during the raid, authorities have launched a manhunt to capture the individual.
In addition to destroying the illicit brew, police have confirmed that all seized brewing equipment has been secured as evidence. The NPS reiterated its commitment to dismantling the networks involved in producing and distributing illegal liquor, urging local residents to cooperate by providing timely intelligence to help identify such illegal activities.
This crackdown comes amid increasing efforts by law enforcement to reduce the availability of illicit alcohol, which has been blamed for several health issues and even fatalities across the country. Authorities have called on the public to assist in these operations by reporting any suspicious activities through various channels, including toll-free numbers and the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline.
In a related development, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) recently seized 450 drums of illicit brew in a major raid on one of Nairobi’s largest brewing cartels in the Congo area of Kawangware. During this operation, authorities destroyed 50 active brewing drums, confiscated 300 bags of molasses, and removed over 1,000 litres of chang’aa from circulation. NACADA’s crackdown is part of the ongoing Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), which aims to dismantle illicit brew networks across the country and curb the adverse effects of illegal alcohol consumption.
The success of these coordinated efforts is expected to disrupt the operations of illegal alcohol producers, sending a strong message that authorities are intensifying their fight against the production and distribution of illicit substances. With continuous public cooperation, law enforcement hopes to break the cycle of illicit alcohol consumption and enhance public health and safety across the nation.
