5 arrested in crackdown on illicit brew in Kitui
By Luke Oluoch, July 19, 2025The National Police Service has confirmed the arrest of five individuals following a crackdown on illicit brew undertaken in Ikutha Sub-County, Kitui County, on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
In a statement shared via its X page, police from Ikutha station targeted an illicit breed in Kathiome village, leading to the arrest of the five.
The police further confirmed seizing 205 litres of illicit brew.
“In the early hours of 19 July 2025, officers from Ikutha Police Station in Ikutha Sub-County, Kitui County, conducted a targeted operation against illicit brew dealers in Kathome Village, Kasaala Sub-Location. The operation led to the arrest of five suspects who were found in possession of a total of 205 litres of mukasa, an illicit brew,” NPS said.
The police say that the suspects will be arraigned in court.
“All suspects were escorted to Ikutha Police Station for processing pending their arraignment. The National Police Service remains steadfast in its fight against illicit brews and narcotic drugs, as operations intensify across the country,” the law enforcement agency said.
This comes a day after a similar raid on illicit brew resulted in the seizure of 100 litres of kangara in Dandora.
Dandora raid
In a statement shared on X on Friday, July 18, 2025, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that the operation was spearheaded by officers from Obama Police Station in collaboration with other government agencies.
The officers, on Thursday, July 17, 2025, raided multiple brewing sites along the Nairobi River, seizing brewing equipment and destroying more than ten 20-litre plastic jerricans used in the illegal production of the brew.
“On 17 July 2025, officers from Obama Police Station in Kayole Sub-County, Nairobi County, led a multi-agency operation targeting illicit brew dens in Mwengenye area near Dandora Bridge along the Nairobi River,” the NPS said.
“During the operation, over 100 litres of kangara (an illicit brew) and more than ten 20-litre plastic jerricans used in its production were destroyed on-site.”
The raids are part of a wider nationwide crackdown on illicit alcohol and narcotics.
Last month, police seized over 12,000 litres of kangara and chang’aa in Kisii County. The suspects in that case remained at large, but authorities say they are pursuing strong leads.
The NPS praised the public for its continued support and urged Kenyans to keep reporting suspicious activity.
“We call upon members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any information that can aid in stopping these dangerous practices,” read the statement. “Illicit brews not only endanger lives but also fuel other criminal activities in our neighbourhoods.”