In a determined move to eradicate illegal brewing activities, police officers from Kangemi Police Post, in collaboration with the Area Chief of Thunguma Location, conducted a significant raid along the River Chania on June 5, 2025. During this operation, officers discovered and seized 360 litres of kangara, a dangerous and illegal homemade alcoholic brew, concealed in thick bushes near the riverbank. Although no suspects were apprehended at the scene, the seized brew was destroyed on site, with police pouring it out and smashing the containers to prevent further use.
This latest operation forms part of a broader effort by law enforcement agencies to eliminate illicit alcohol production and distribution across the country. Authorities have reiterated their strong commitment to this cause, urging members of the public to actively report suspicious activities related to illegal brewing and other criminal enterprises in their communities.
Beyond the River Chania raid, police have been aggressively tackling the illegal alcohol trade in various regions. Just days prior, on May 31, 2025, officers in Kibera, Nairobi, confiscated a massive haul of 2,350 litres of illicit brew, comprising 2,000 litres of kangara and 350 litres of chang’aa another widely consumed illicit spirit. This operation disrupted a significant supply channel that was distributing these harmful beverages to local residents.
Simultaneously, in Kisii, a multi-agency team conducted a successful raid at a homestead, seizing 1,300 litres of chang’aa and brewing equipment. Although the owner managed to evade arrest, the evidence gathered was secured, and the police remain actively pursuing the individual responsible.
The crackdown is not limited to illegal alcohol alone. In Kwale County, officers from Mackinnon Road Police Station uncovered six sacks of suspected narcotics alongside 73 cannabis sticks—40 found loose on a bed and 33 wrapped in a jerrycan. These discoveries highlight the ongoing challenge posed by various illegal substances and the comprehensive approach police are taking to combat drug-related crime.
Authorities have also intensified efforts against drug trafficking networks. Earlier in May, a large-scale operation led to the arrest of 78 foreign nationals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking activities in Marsabit and Isiolo counties. This was part of a multi-agency mission named Operation Ondoa Jangili, aimed at tackling crime in northern Kenya, especially in border regions known for illicit cross-border trafficking.
The ongoing enforcement efforts emphasize a zero-tolerance stance toward illegal brews and narcotics, which pose severe health and safety risks to communities. Dangerous homemade brews such as kangara and chang’aa have been linked to numerous health problems, including poisoning and fatalities. Police hope that sustained crackdowns, combined with public cooperation, will significantly reduce the availability and consumption of these harmful substances.
Officers have been seen actively conducting operations not only on land but also wading through rivers and searching dense bushes to root out hidden caches of illicit brews and narcotics. These proactive strategies aim to dismantle brewing operations before the illegal products reach consumers.
Communities are encouraged to support law enforcement by providing information about illegal brewing sites and drug trafficking activities. Such community involvement is crucial in aiding police efforts and ensuring safer environments for all citizens.
With persistent police operations targeting illicit alcohol production and drug trafficking, Kenya is striving to safeguard public health and maintain order. While challenges remain, the coordinated approach across counties and regions signals a resolute commitment to addressing these entrenched problems and restoring safety to affected communities.
