3 arrested, over 2K litres of kangara seized
By Ascah Mwango, August 16, 2025Police have arrested three individuals and seized large quantities of illicit brew in Machakos County in a fresh crackdown against illegal alcohol.
In a statement shared by the National Police Service (NPS) on Saturday, August 16, 2025, the officers confirmed that the raid was conducted on Friday evening following a tip-off from members of the public.
“Yesterday, 15 August 2025, police officers from Joska Police Station in Machakos County, led by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), were conducting a routine patrol in the Kavombo area of Lukenya Location, Muthwani Sub-location, when they received a tip-off from concerned members of the public. The report alleged that a notorious brewer was running an illicit brewing den near Kavombo Primary School,” NPS said.
According to the police, officers proceeded to the identified homestead where they found three individuals in the process of brewing chang’aa. A search of the premises led to the recovery of approximately 2,600 litres of kangara and four large drums of 200 litres each that were actively fermenting.
“All items were confiscated as evidence, and the three individuals were taken into custody. They are currently assisting police with investigations pending arraignment in court. The National Police Service (NPS) reiterates its commitment to intensifying the fight against illicit alcohol,” the statement added.
Separate operation
The incident comes just days after police destroyed at least 15,000 litres of illegal alcohol in Soweto, Kayole, during a similar operation.
According to NPS, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, a multi-agency team in the Nairobi Region carried out a targeted raid in Soweto’s Duka Moja area. Authorities said the premises were a major distribution point for illegal brew.
“Police Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Alcohol in Soweto, Nairobi: On 12 August 2025, a multi-agency team in the Nairobi Region conducted a targeted operation against illicit alcohol in Soweto’s Duka Moja area, Kayole Sub-County,” NPS said in the statement released on August 13.
During the raid, officers destroyed approximately 15,000 litres of brew and permanently shut down the brewing site.
“During the raid, officers destroyed around 15,000 litres of illicit brew and shut down the brewing den permanently. Authorities are actively pursuing the persons behind the illegal operation, with further raids planned to dismantle similar networks across the county,” NPS confirmed.