Kisii Police Raid Nets Illicit Brew and Lands One in Court
Kisii County, Kenya – In a renewed effort to clamp down on the production and distribution of illegal alcohol, police officers from Nyangusu Police Station on Sunday, June 9, 2025, carried out a successful raid in Nyangusu Sub-Location, Nyamache Sub-County.
According to a statement released by authorities, the operation resulted in the seizure of 20 litres of chang’aa, a potent traditional brew, and the destruction of 210 litres of kangara — a key ingredient used in brewing chang’aa.
The suspect, who was found at the scene, was immediately apprehended. Police confirmed that the individual was taken into custody and processed at Nyangusu Police Station before being arraigned at the Ogembo Law Courts later the same day.
The raid, which was part of a wider campaign spearheaded by the National Police Service (NPS), reflects a growing national effort to eliminate the brewing and consumption of illicit alcohol, which has long been associated with serious health risks and socio-economic harm across many regions in Kenya.
Speaking after the operation, local police officers commended the swift action of the enforcement team and reiterated their commitment to upholding law and order.
“The consumption and sale of illicit brews continues to destroy lives and families,” a senior officer who participated in the raid stated. “We are determined to put an end to this practice. Today’s operation is one of many ongoing efforts in the region.”
The police urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing information about illegal brewing activities in their neighbourhoods.
“We rely heavily on community intelligence,” the officer added. “The public must work with us by reporting suspicious behaviour or locations where such brews are manufactured.”
Illicit brews like chang’aa and kangara are not only banned due to their production in unhygienic and unregulated environments, but they are also known to cause fatal alcohol poisoning. Past incidents across various counties in Kenya have highlighted the deadly consequences of consuming such brews, often laced with harmful chemicals to increase potency and profitability.
In recent years, the government has launched several campaigns to address this issue, especially in areas where cases of blindness, poisoning, and even death have been attributed to the intake of illegal alcohol. Kisii County, like many other regions in the western and central parts of the country, has frequently featured in police reports concerning the brewing and consumption of chang’aa.
Efforts have also been made to provide alternative livelihoods to brewers, many of whom cite unemployment and poverty as their primary reasons for engaging in the illegal trade. Programmes spearheaded by both the national and county governments have attempted to rehabilitate former brewers and integrate them into legal economic activities.
Despite these efforts, enforcement challenges persist, especially in rural areas where terrain and poor infrastructure can hinder surveillance and response.
In Sunday’s operation, however, the police made it clear that no corner of the county will be spared in the fight against illicit alcohol.
The National Police Service has since reaffirmed its resolve to intensify operations across Kisii and other counties, warning that offenders will be brought to book regardless of their location or status.
“Let this serve as a warning to those who continue to engage in the brewing and sale of illegal alcohol,” the police statement read. “We will not relent until our communities are safe and free from the dangers posed by these harmful substances.”
As investigations continue, the suspect remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings. Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s name but confirmed that charges have already been filed.
Residents of Nyamache Sub-County are now being urged to play an active role in protecting their communities from the dangers posed by illicit liquor by working closely with the police and local administration.
If you have any information about the brewing or sale of illicit alcohol in your area, you are encouraged to report anonymously to your nearest police station or call the toll-free NPS hotline.
