Police in Nyamira County have intercepted a large consignment of illicit alcohol following a successful operation in Ichuni Sub-Location. During the raid, officers seized 500 litres of Chang’aa and an additional 20 litres of Kangara, a substance commonly used in the production of the illegal brew.
The raid was carried out after authorities received intelligence from residents in the area. Acting on the tip, officers stormed a homestead where the illegal alcohol was being stored. One woman was arrested during the operation and taken into custody for further processing. She is expected to be arraigned in court to face charges related to the possession and distribution of illicit brews.
The seized alcohol has since been placed under secure custody as investigations continue. Authorities commended members of the public for their cooperation and encouraged residents to continue reporting criminal activities to help combat the widespread problem of illicit alcohol in the region.
Illicit brews such as Chang’aa have long been a challenge in many parts of Kenya, with their consumption linked to numerous health complications, including blindness, organ damage, and in extreme cases, death. Beyond the health risks, authorities say the sale and distribution of these substances fuel insecurity and undermine community well-being.
The incident in Nyamira comes shortly after a similar crackdown in Meru County, where security agencies recovered 260 litres of another form of illicit alcohol known as Muna. During that operation, officers also confiscated brewing equipment and arrested a suspect involved in the illegal trade. Such back-to-back arrests highlight the increasing vigilance of security agencies in combating the vice.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to sustaining regular crackdowns across the country to ensure that the fight against illicit brews is won. They have further urged residents to avoid consumption of such substances and instead support efforts to promote safer alternatives.
The fight against illicit alcohol remains a top priority for security agencies, who view community cooperation as an essential component of success. The latest seizure in Nyamira is being hailed as a significant step in dismantling the networks responsible for distributing harmful substances in the region.
