A man has been arrested in Matungulu, Machakos County after he was found in possession of 35 litres of chang’aa, an illicit alcoholic brew. The arrest occurred during a coordinated swoop conducted by a multi-agency team early Saturday morning at Ngomeni village in Katine sub-location.
Authorities reported that the suspect was not only in possession of the illicit alcohol but was also found with brewing equipment including a cooler and distillation pipes, pointing to active involvement in the production of chang’aa. The operation also led to the discovery and destruction of a large quantity of Kangara, a key ingredient used in brewing chang’aa, estimated at approximately 1,060 litres.
A metallic brewing tank and several plastic containers used in the production process were seized and destroyed at the scene. The crackdown forms part of a broader campaign targeting illicit brews and substance abuse in the region.
The arrested individual was taken to Tala Police Station for further processing and is expected to be arraigned in Kangundo Law Courts on Monday. Authorities confirmed that all seized items, including the alcohol and brewing equipment, will be presented in court as exhibits.
The multi-agency team behind the raid included members of the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) from Tala and Nguluni, officers from the Sub County Police Commander’s office, enforcement personnel from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the Deputy Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Matungulu Sub-county, the Administration Police, and the local Community Policing team.
According to officials, the successful operation was made possible through a tip-off from members of the public. As a follow-up to the raid, a public baraza was convened in the area to engage residents on issues surrounding illicit brews and drug abuse.
During the public engagement, key topics addressed included the dangers and negative health impacts of illicit brews, the need for community involvement in reporting such activities, and the importance of providing alternative sources of income for those involved in the production and sale of illegal alcohol. Officials emphasized that community cooperation is vital in curbing the problem and urged residents to make use of available reporting channels, including a toll-free helpline (1192), to share timely intelligence.
Efforts are underway to revive and strengthen the Katine Community Policing team to improve coordination and enhance the effectiveness of such joint security operations. The baraza also emphasized sustained collaboration among all relevant security and administrative agencies to ensure long-term impact.
Officials reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing the crackdown, revealing plans to conduct similar operations weekly, not just in Katine but throughout the entire Matungulu sub-county. The goal, they said, is to rid the community of the social and health challenges brought on by illicit brews.
The negative impact of such brews on local families was also highlighted, with concerns raised about their contribution to sickness, addiction, and overall unproductivity within the community. The authorities urged individuals involved in illicit brewing to seek legal and sustainable means of earning a living, stressing that the crackdown will not relent until the menace is eradicated.
