Authorities confiscated 4,000 litres of chang’aa in a major pre-dawn operation targeting Nairobi’s sprawling Mukuru settlements, marking one of the most significant strikes against illicit alcohol trade this year.
The raid, which took place at 3:00 am on Friday, focused on a cluster of rental structures long suspected to host an underground distillery and distribution hub. While the main brewing site appeared inactive—raising suspicions that operators had been tipped off—systematic searches of nearby rooms revealed the real scale of the syndicate’s activities.
Behind a hidden door, officers uncovered 14 large sacks filled with chang’aa, meticulously packaged in banned nylon bags. The packaging highlighted the sophistication of the operation and its blatant disregard for public health and environmental safety.
Officials noted that if released into circulation, the 4,000-litre haul could have posed a grave risk to the community. The alcohol was secured as evidence on-site, logged at Jogoo Road Police Station, and is expected to undergo further analysis at the Government Chemist.
No arrests were made during the sweep, but investigators indicated that the seizure disrupted a major supply chain and provided valuable intelligence on key figures running the trade.
The crackdown forms part of a nationwide 100-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) aimed at tackling alcohol and drug abuse. The program, backed by government directives, prioritizes both enforcement and community protection, with a strong focus on dismantling entire supply networks rather than just conducting isolated raids.
Authorities emphasized that the operation in Mukuru is a clear signal to criminal cartels that illicit brew networks will no longer operate unchecked. The momentum of the first phase of the RRI is being maintained, with security agencies pledging sustained operations across the country.
Officials further stressed that the initiative is not limited to seizures but seeks long-term impact by protecting youth, restoring family stability, and safeguarding public health. The synergy between NACADA, the National Police Service, and other government agencies has been credited with boosting the success of the initiative.
The operation is one of many ongoing efforts designed to systematically dismantle illicit alcohol networks, with authorities vowing to pursue every lead until the industry is eliminated.
