Police officers in Laikipia County have arrested a suspect found in possession of 15 litres of chang’aa during an operation in Nyahururu.
The arrest followed a public tip-off that led officers to track down the individual transporting the illicit brew. The suspect was taken into custody, and the recovered alcohol was secured as an exhibit. Authorities confirmed that the individual will face charges in court.
The operation in Laikipia highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb the brewing, sale, and distribution of chang’aa across different parts of the country. Just days earlier, a separate incident in Kakamega County saw three suspects arrested while transporting 100 litres of chang’aa, further underscoring the widespread nature of the trade.
Residents in Laikipia have been urged to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities linked to illicit alcohol. Security officials emphasized that the fight against chang’aa requires strong collaboration with the public, noting that community intelligence has proven instrumental in successful arrests.
Elsewhere, crackdowns on illicit brews have intensified in other regions. In Kawangware, Nairobi, more than 1,000 litres of chang’aa were seized during a major raid, leading to the arrest of three women. In Laikipia East Sub-County’s Likii Estate, police recently intercepted 54 litres of illicit liquor during an evening operation. The recovered alcohol was secured as evidence, and the suspect was processed for court action.
The battle against chang’aa has also extended to large-scale operations aimed at disrupting supply chains. In Kayole’s Soweto area, security agencies destroyed at least 15,000 litres of illegal alcohol. That operation targeted hotspots where brewing and distribution were flourishing despite previous warnings.
Authorities continue to stress that illicit alcohol poses serious health and safety risks to communities. The consumption of chang’aa has been linked to fatal poisoning, family breakdowns, and rising crime rates. Law enforcement agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying operations and dismantling networks involved in its trade.
The arrest in Nyahururu reflects the broader nationwide crackdown aimed at eliminating chang’aa production and safeguarding public health. Security officials are urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report any cases of illicit brewing or distribution to nearby police stations or designated hotlines.
