NAIROBI, Kenya — Police have intensified operations against illicit alcohol brewing and distribution, destroying thousands of litres of illegal brew in Nandi County as part of a broader nationwide crackdown aimed at safeguarding public health.
Officers from Nandi South Sub-County conducted coordinated raids on Wednesday in Kapkerer Location, targeting Kipsigak, Baibai, Chepsis and Kipkurui villages.
During the operation, police destroyed 3,010 litres of kangara, a locally brewed illicit alcoholic drink.
Brewing equipment hidden in bushes, along riverbanks and inside forested areas was dismantled, police said.
POLICE INTENSIFY CRACKDOWN ON ILLICIT BREW IN NANDI COUNTYPolice officers from the Nandi South Sub-County yesterday conducted an operation against illicit alcohol in Kapkerer Location. The operation targeted Kipsigak, Baibai, Chepsis, and Kipkurui villages.During the raid,
In a separate recovery, officers seized 60 litres of chang’aa from a residential property, which was secured as evidence.
Suspected brewers fled the scenes after spotting the officers. Police said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved.
“The National Police Service remains steadfast in its resolve to combat illicit alcohol and to safeguard public health and safety,” police said in a statement, urging members of the public to assist by sharing information through police stations, toll-free numbers 999, 911 or 112, or anonymously via #FichuaKwaDCI.
Busia and Western Kenya Operations
The Nandi operation comes days after a similar crackdown in Busia County, where police destroyed 1,725 litres of illicit alcohol and arrested one suspect on January 9.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), officers led by Busia County Police Commander Abdille Ahmed raided the Nasewa area, recovering about 80 litres of suspected chang’aa at a homestead.
The suspect was escorted to Busia Police Station and is expected to be arraigned in court.
Police also destroyed an additional 1,725 litres of kangara, with video footage showing officers disposing of containers filled with the illicit brew outside a residential area.
The Busia raid followed a multi-agency operation in Western Kenya led by Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamed, AIG.
The operation targeted parts of Kakamega and Vihiga counties, including Shikumu and Kilingili locations.
During that crackdown, officers destroyed an estimated 50,000 litres of kangara, recovered several hundred litres of chang’aa, dismantled brewing equipment and arrested multiple suspects.
The suspects are being held as investigations continue.
Police say community cooperation remains critical in tackling the persistent problem of illicit alcohol, which has been linked to health risks, insecurity and economic hardship in affected areas.
