5 apprehended in Wajir as police escalate war on illegal brew
By David Nthua, November 19, 2025Five are cooling their heels in police custody in Wajir County, after being netted during a crackdown on illegal brew.
According to a statement by the National Police Service (NPS) on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, the NPS has reported that officers from Wajir Police Station conducted a targeted operation in Manyalo Location.
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The operation unfolded on Tuesday evening and focused on what authorities described as a rising concern over illicit alcohol in the area.
NPS indicated that eight litres of an illegal brew known locally as Kerong’anga were seized during the swoop.
The persons of interest were later escorted to the station for processing, with arrangements underway for court presentation.
In its statement, NPS said officers “conducted a successful operation against illegal alcohol in Manyalo Location,” adding that its teams remain ready to intensify similar actions.
The service also noted that the individuals “were placed in custody pending their arraignment in court,” highlighting a renewed focus on alcohol and narcotic-related offences.
The police leadership stressed that the crackdown forms part of a wider national campaign aimed at dismantling alcohol networks and drug distribution routes.
NPS pledged to “intensify its crackdown on illegal alcohol and narcotic drugs across the country,” signalling more operations in hotspot regions.
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The agency said the Manyalo operation is one of several high-impact safety interventions executed this week.
War on machete-wielding gangs in Lamu apprehended
In an earlier incident, officers in Lamu carried out a raid on a house in the Wiyoni area, following a public tip-off on November 18, 2025.
NPS detailed that “police officers from Lamu Police Station… recovered an assortment of weapons, including pangas, spears, and metal rods, as well as a substantial quantity of cannabis sativa.”
The persons of interest were taken to Lamu Police Station, where they remain in custody.
NPS added that the individuals “are being held in custody, pending processing and arraignment in court,” urging the public to report suspicious activities.
Separately, officers in Huruma recovered a firearm after an individual fled during a night patrol.
The weapon was secured and documented, with authorities now pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the person involved.