Police in Malaba, Busia County, have arrested two individuals linked to a major ethanol haul after a dramatic chase along Malaba Road. The suspects were intercepted at a police roadblock but attempted to escape, leading to a high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash.
The two suspects were traveling in a vehicle that lost control during the chase and rolled into a ditch after being sandwiched between trucks along the busy Malaba highway. Police moved swiftly to rescue them from the wreckage and recover the contraband hidden in the vehicle.
During the operation, officers seized 50 jerrycans, each carrying 30 litres of ethanol. The total amount recovered was approximately 1,500 litres, believed to be destined for the production of illicit brew. Authorities noted that ethanol has become one of the primary substances used in the manufacture of chang’aa, a dangerous and illegal alcoholic drink widely consumed in parts of Kenya.
The suspects sustained minor injuries during the incident and were rushed to hospital for treatment. They were later discharged and placed under police custody as investigations continue. Law enforcement agencies are working to establish the source of the ethanol and identify the wider network behind the illegal transportation.
According to police, the seizure is part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on the rising cases of illegal alcohol production and smuggling along border routes. With Malaba being one of the busiest gateways for cross-border trade, smugglers have often exploited the heavy truck traffic to conceal contraband, including ethanol and other banned substances.
In a related operation, police in Nyamira County also cracked down on illicit brew. Officers raided a homestead in Ichuni Sub-Location following a tip-off from members of the public. The raid led to the recovery of 500 litres of chang’aa and 20 litres of kangara, a substance used in brewing. A woman suspected of running the illegal trade was arrested and is assisting police with investigations.
The two cases highlight the growing efforts by security agencies to tackle the illegal alcohol menace, which has continued to pose health risks and undermine social order. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities linked to illicit liquor production and trafficking.
