A major security operation in Muhoroni, Kisumu County, has dealt a significant blow to the illicit alcohol trade after a multi-agency team seized and destroyed more than 3,000 litres of kangara, a local brew used in the production of chang’aa.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, October 26, 2025, in Wagunga Village, Kamswa Sub-location, Nyagoma Location within Miwani Division, brought together officers from the Chemelil Police Post and National Government Administration Officers (NGAO). Acting on intelligence reports, the team launched a coordinated crackdown that led to the dismantling of several makeshift distilleries operating deep within the village.
According to police reports, the raid was part of an ongoing countywide effort to combat the sale and consumption of illicit alcohol, which has continued to threaten public health and safety across the region. The officers moved swiftly to confiscate the illegal brew before destroying it on-site, alongside the distilling equipment used in its production.
Crackdown Gathers Pace Across Kisumu
The Muhoroni raid is the latest in a series of intensified operations launched by the government targeting illicit brew dens in Kisumu County. Authorities have expressed growing concern over the rising number of unlicensed alcohol manufacturers in rural and peri-urban areas, especially in Muhoroni, Nyando, and Kisumu East sub-counties.
The National Police Service (NPS), in a statement released after the operation, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal alcohol production networks that put the lives of Kenyans at risk.
“The National Police Service reiterates its commitment to sustaining the crackdown on illicit brews and other illegal activities that endanger public health and safety. Similar operations will continue across the county,” the statement read in part.
Officials also commended the collaboration between police officers, chiefs, and assistant chiefs, noting that community intelligence played a critical role in identifying the brewing sites.
Public Health Concerns and Rising Death Toll
Illicit brews have long been linked to devastating health effects, including blindness, organ failure, and even death. In recent months, several counties across Kenya have reported fatal incidents related to toxic alcohol consumption, prompting the Interior Ministry to direct local administrators to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations.
In Kisumu County, authorities say the war on illicit brew has become a top priority. Residents have raised alarm over the infiltration of cheap, unregulated alcohol into local markets, blaming it for rising crime rates and social breakdown among youth.
Public health officers have also warned that unlicensed brewers often use dangerous chemicals such as methanol in their production processes to increase potency, making the drinks lethal.
Community Members Urged to Cooperate
Local administrators have urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting individuals involved in the production or sale of illicit alcohol. They emphasized that the crackdown is not only a law enforcement exercise but also a public safety initiative aimed at protecting families and saving lives.
“The success of this operation shows what can be achieved when communities work closely with authorities. We are committed to ensuring that no one profits from the suffering of others,” a senior police officer involved in the operation told K47 Digital News.
Continuous Operations Planned
The NPS has pledged to sustain similar raids in all sub-counties across Kisumu as part of its broader strategy to curb the illicit alcohol menace. The government is also exploring stricter penalties for offenders and enhanced public awareness campaigns on the dangers of consuming unregulated brews.
