One arrested as police seize over 2,000 litres of illicit alcohol in Kakamega
One person has been arrested after a police raid netted more than 2,000 litres of illicit alcohol in Kakamega County.
In a statement by the National Police Service on Thursday, May 22, 2025, authorities revealed that the individual was arrested in connection with the sale of second-generation alcohol in the area.
“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,” the statement reads in part.
“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.”
10,000 litres seized
The raid in Kakamega comes just a day after a similar crackdown in the sprawling Kibera slums led to the confiscation of at least 10,000 litres of chang’aa.
During the raid conducted on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, police also arrested several persons in connection with the production and sale of alcohol.
“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.”
“The individuals are currently being held at the Capitol Hill Police Station and are expected to face charges related to the manufacture and possession of illicit brew.”
Illicit alcohol
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.
“Illicit alcohol makes this country unable to attract further investments because of the level of illicit alcohol that we have. Illicit alcohol also reduces the revenues for our great republic because, as you can appreciate, the alcohol industry is a significant player in our country,” Githua says.
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Arnold Ngure
General reporter with a bias for crime reporting, human interest stories and tech. Reach out via: [email protected]
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