5 persons of interest linked to illicit brew and narcotics arrested in Bungoma
Five individuals have been arrested in Bungoma County following a well-coordinated security operation targeting illicit brew and drug activities in Sitikho Location, Webuye West Sub-County.
In a statement shared by the National Police Service (NPS) on Saturday, May 31, 2025, the operation, led by officers from Matisi Police Station together with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and local village elders, resulted in the seizure of large quantities of illicit brews and narcotics.
During the raid, police said they recovered 220 litres of kangara and 85 litres of chang’aa. Two other individuals managed to escape, but a search of their residences uncovered more illegal substances, including 85 litres of chang’aa, 120 litres of kangara, 136 rolls of cannabis sativa, and 120 grams of unprocessed cannabis sativa.
“A coordinated security operation was conducted today, 31 May 2025, in Sitikho Location, Webuye West Sub-County, Bungoma County, by officers from Matisi Police Station, led by the OCS, in collaboration with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and local village elders,” the statement read in part.
Adding;
“During the operation, five suspects were arrested in possession of 220 litres of kangara and 85 litres of chang’aa. Two additional suspects fled during the raid, but a subsequent search of their residences uncovered 85 litres of chang’aa, 120 litres of kangara, 136 rolls of cannabis sativa, and 120 grams of unprocessed cannabis sativa.”
The authorities said the arrested individuals will remain in police custody as investigations continue, while authorities are actively pursuing those who fled.
Separate arrests
This crackdown follows a similar successful raid just days earlier in Kisii County. On May 27, officers from Sameta Sub-County, led by Sub-County Police Commander Madam Lucy Mugambi, seized 481 litres of chang’aa at Itumbe Stage. In addition to the illicit brew, police recovered a batch of suspected cannabis sativa, two imitation FN rifles, a toy pistol, and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
One person was arrested in Kisii and is currently under investigation. The recent operations highlight the ongoing commitment of security agencies to dismantle illegal networks that threaten public health and safety.
On Friday, May 31, 2025, police in Kwale arrested a suspect and seized six sacks of narcotics along with several cannabis rolls during an operation. The raid, carried out by officers from Mackinnon Road Police Station in Makina Chini Village, was based on a tip-off.
Officers found cannabis plants stored in two separate rooms on the targeted plot. They also recovered 73 cannabis sticks, 40 loose on a bed and 33 wrapped in brown paper inside a jerrycan believed to be ready for distribution.
“A total of six sacks containing the suspected narcotics were recovered from different rooms. Additionally, the officers seized 73 cannabis sticks, believed to be prepared for distribution,” the statement explained.
