Arrest IllustrationTwo people have been arrested after police disrupted an alleged illicit alcohol production operation in Dirubi Village, Kisumu county, recovering about 160 litres of suspected illicit brew and equipment believed to have been used in its production.
The operation was conducted by officers from Maraboi Police Post in collaboration with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), according to the National Police Service.
Police said officers raided a homestead suspected to be linked to illicit alcohol production and found two people at the premises.
"About 100 litres of kangara and 60 litres of chang’aa were recovered alongside distillation equipment," the service said.
The two suspects were taken to Maraboi Police Post, where they remained in custody pending further investigations and their expected arraignment.
The recovered items were also secured at the police facility as detectives continued with investigations.
The National Police Service said the operation was part of continued efforts to disrupt the manufacture and distribution of illicit alcoholic drinks.
“The National Police Service continues to take action against the manufacture, distribution and consumption of illicit brews,” the service said.
The latest operation comes amid a wider police crackdown on illicit alcohol production in different parts of the country.
On June 5, police reported separate operations in Machakos, Vihiga and Kisumu counties targeting suspected illicit alcohol production and distribution.
In Machakos, officers from Tala Police Station conducted an operation along the Ngomeni River, an area police had identified through surveillance as a suspected hotspot for illegal brewing activities.
During the operation, officers recovered 600 litres of molasses, metallic drums and other equipment believed to be associated with alcohol production. Police also recovered 20 litres of suspected chang’aa.
In separate operations in Vihiga and Kisumu, police said four suspects were arrested after they were allegedly found in possession of about 65 litres of suspected chang’aa.
The suspects were taken into custody pending further investigations and court proceedings.
The National Police Service said such operations are intended to disrupt suspected production and distribution networks involved in unregulated alcoholic drinks.
Authorities have previously warned about the public health and security concerns associated with illicit alcohol, particularly where drinks are produced outside regulated systems.
Police said investigations into the latest Kisumu operation were ongoing and that the recovered equipment and suspected illicit brews would remain in police custody as the case progresses.
The service is also encouraging members of the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Members of the public can also provide information through the emergency numbers 999 and 911, or through the DCI's #FichuaKwaDCI toll-free line.
