Authorities have intensified their war on illicit alcohol after seizing 54 litres of chang’aa in a targeted evening operation in Likii Estate, Laikipia East Sub-County.
During the crackdown, one suspect was apprehended and taken into custody for processing. The recovered alcohol, believed to be chang’aa, was secured as evidence as police pursue sustained efforts to eliminate illegal brews from communities.
The swoop, guided by intelligence reports, reflects an ongoing strategy to dismantle networks responsible for brewing and distributing dangerous substances. Law enforcement has consistently emphasized that such crackdowns are meant to safeguard public health and protect families from the devastating effects of illicit alcohol.
The operation in Laikipia follows a series of countrywide crackdowns against illegal alcohol. Just days earlier, officers destroyed over 15,000 litres of illicit brew in Nairobi’s Soweto area of Kayole. That raid, carried out by a multi-agency team, led to the permanent closure of a major brewing den suspected to be a distribution hub for counterfeit liquor.
Police have confirmed that individuals linked to the Nairobi operation remain at large, but manhunts are underway to track them down. Investigators believe that dismantling these large-scale operations will weaken the wider supply chain of chang’aa and other illicit brews across the country.
The recurring seizures highlight the scale of the illicit alcohol trade, which continues to thrive despite strict laws and frequent crackdowns. Authorities argue that while production may be lucrative for those involved, the cost to communities is far greater. Cases of alcohol-related deaths, health complications, and family breakdowns have been widely reported in areas where chang’aa is brewed and sold.
Police are urging the public to collaborate by sharing intelligence on suspected brewing dens and distribution points. Increased vigilance, they say, is key to ensuring that illicit alcohol does not reach unsuspecting consumers.
The sustained operations demonstrate the government’s commitment to fighting the illicit alcohol menace. With plans for more raids across various counties, law enforcement has vowed to dismantle brewing networks, arrest perpetrators, and secure safer communities.
As the crackdown continues, communities are being reminded that the fight against chang’aa and other illegal substances requires collective responsibility. The battle may be ongoing, but each successful operation marks a step forward in the mission to eradicate the deadly trade.
