4 arrested as police intensify crackdown on illicit alcohol
Police officers have arrested four people in an operation that netted at least 5,000 litres of illicit alcohol in Kisii County’s Kiogoro ward.
In a statement on Saturday, May 24, 2025, the National Police Service (NPS) revealed that the four arrested individuals are awaiting their arraignment in court.
“Today, 24 May 2025, officers from Kiogoro Police Station, led by the OCS, launched a major crackdown on the illicit brew trade in the Kiogoro area. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb the widespread menace of illegal alcohol production and consumption in the region,” NPS said.
Arrests
“During the raid, police arrested four suspects believed to be actively involved in manufacturing illicit brew. The operation also led to the destruction of approximately 5,000 litres of kangara and the seizure of various brewing apparatus.”
The new arrests come just a day after one person was arrested by police in Kakamega and over 2,000 litres of illicit brew were seized.
“The National Police Service has intensified its crackdown on the production and distribution of illegal alcohol in Kakamega County. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb the illegal production and sale of illicit brews and second-generation alcohol,” police said.
“Earlier today, police officers seized and destroyed approximately 2,250 litres of Kangara and 20 litres of Chang’aa. One suspect was arrested in connection with the sale of illicit alcohol and is currently in custody, awaiting arraignment in court tomorrow.”
Proliferation of illicit brews
The operation came after yet another one in Nairobi’s sprawling Kibera slums, where 10,000 litres of illicit alcohol were destroyed by the police officer.
“On May 21, 2025, officers from the National Police Service (NPS), Nairobi Region, intensified their ongoing crackdown on the production and distribution of illicit alcohol,” the National Police Service said in a statement.
“During a targeted operation in Kibera, law enforcement raided several locations, seizing and destroying over 10,000 litres of chang’aa. Multiple suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal activities.”
A recent report commissioned by the Alcoholic Beverage Association of Kenya (ABAK) revealed that illicit alcohol accounts for over 60 per cent of all alcohol consumed in the country.
While this figure includes Muratina and chang’aa brewed by artisanal brewers, a significant chunk of the illicit alcohol comes from large-scale illegal operations manufacturing fake spirits and other alcohol brands.
While the government is projected to be losing billions in tax revenue from the sale of illicit alcohol, Eric Githua, chairperson of ABAK, notes that illicit alcohol makes the country unattractive for potential investors.
