A major operation in Nandi County has led to the arrest of one individual and the seizure of 240 litres of chang’aa, a potent illicit brew. The bust occurred on Thursday, June 12, 2025, during a targeted crackdown in the Surungai area, which authorities have identified as a hotspot for illegal alcohol production and distribution.
The operation was carried out by officers from the local police station in conjunction with national administrative officials. It was part of a broader initiative aimed at eradicating the manufacture and sale of unregulated alcohol, which continues to pose serious health and safety risks across parts of Kenya.
According to police, the suspect was found in possession of the chang’aa hidden inside a 50-kilogram blue sack. He was promptly taken into custody and is currently being held at a nearby police station pending formal charges and arraignment in court.
Law enforcement agencies emphasized their continued commitment to combating the menace of illicit brews, citing the operation as a successful example of inter-agency cooperation. They also highlighted the health hazards and social damage caused by unregulated alcohol, which often contains dangerous levels of ethanol and other contaminants.
This operation in Nandi comes on the heels of another major crackdown in Kisii County, where more than 12,000 litres of illicit alcohol were confiscated just days earlier. In that instance, authorities seized over 12,550 litres of Kangara—a fermented raw brew—and an additional 70 litres of chang’aa during a raid in Bomaina Sub-Location, Kisii South Sub-County.
The Kisii operation targeted two residential homesteads in the Riotachi and Motonto areas. Investigators discovered the brews stored in large barrels, concealed within private properties. Local law enforcement officers, alongside government administrative personnel, led the effort to dismantle the illegal brewing setups.
Both operations signal an intensified national effort to dismantle the networks involved in producing and distributing illicit alcohol. The authorities have reiterated that the fight against the trade will continue and that communities are encouraged to support these efforts by reporting suspicious activities.
In many regions, the production of chang’aa and similar brews persists despite regular crackdowns. However, recent joint operations appear to be gaining ground in disrupting the supply chains and holding perpetrators accountable. Public awareness campaigns and stricter law enforcement are being rolled out simultaneously in high-risk counties.
The arrested suspect in the Nandi case is expected to be charged with illegal possession and distribution of illicit alcohol. Meanwhile, similar operations are expected to continue as part of a sustained nationwide campaign to curb the spread of harmful brews.
