Chang'aa brewing/ HANDOUT
Police have shut down a chang’aa brewing operation along the Likii River in Laikipia County, recovering thousands of litres of suspected illicit brew and equipment believed to have been used in its production.
Officers from Nanyuki Police Station conducted the operation on August 13, 2026, targeting a brewing den in the area.
According to the National Police Service, the raid uncovered an established distillation setup.
Officers recovered six 100-litre metallic drums, six jikos, six aluminium sufurias and six metallic basins believed to have been used in the brewing process.
Police also recovered 12 plastic drums, each with a capacity of 210 litres, containing approximately 2,520 litres of kangara.
The recovered kangara was destroyed at the scene. Officers also seized about 100 litres of chang’aa packed in five 20-litre plastic jerricans.
The National Police Service said the operation was part of continued efforts to disrupt the production, distribution and consumption of illicit alcoholic drinks.
“The National Police Service continues to take action against the manufacture, distribution and consumption of illicit brews,” the service said.
Police said investigations are ongoing to establish those behind the brewing operation and facilitate their apprehension.
The raid comes days after a similar operation in Dirubi Village, Kisumu County, where police arrested two people and recovered about 160 litres of suspected illicit brew.
Officers from Maraboi Police Post, working with National Government Administration Officers, raided a homestead suspected of being linked to illicit alcohol production.
Police said they found about 100 litres of kangara and 60 litres of chang’aa at the premises, alongside equipment believed to have been used in their production.
The two people arrested were taken to Maraboi Police Post pending further investigations and their expected arraignment.
The recovered equipment and suspected illicit brew were also secured at the police facility as investigations continued.
The Kisumu operation followed other police actions targeting suspected illicit alcohol production in different parts of the country.
On June 5, police reported separate operations in Machakos, Vihiga and Kisumu counties.
In Machakos, officers from Tala Police Station raided an area along the Ngomeni River that had been identified through surveillance as a suspected hotspot for illegal brewing activities.
They recovered 600 litres of molasses, metallic drums and other equipment believed to be associated with alcohol production, as well as 20 litres of suspected chang’aa.
In Vihiga and Kisumu, police said four people were arrested in separate operations after they were allegedly found in possession of about 65 litres of suspected chang’aa.
The National Police Service has continued to urge members of the public to report suspected criminal or suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Information can also be provided through the emergency numbers 999 and 911, the DCI's #FichuaKwaDCI toll-free line 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000, where reports can be made anonymously.
