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6 nabbed as police seize 280 litres of Chang’aa in Kisumu
14th February, 2026 11:30 PM
Police in Kisumu have arrested six persons of interest and seized 280 litres of chang’aa in a crackdown targeting illicit brew distribution within the Manyatta area.
Kisumu Central Sub-County Police Commander Edward Ndiragu said the operation followed intelligence reports about a dealer transporting chang’aa from Busia to Kisumu through the River Yala area in Manyatta.
According to Ndiragu, officers began surveillance on February 13 before conducting a coordinated operation on the morning of February 14, culminating in the arrests.
“We managed to arrest her with around 280 litres of pure chang’aa being ferried from Busia to Kisumu,” he said.
The person of interest was identified and apprehended, along with five others, who are currently in police custody.
Ndiragu revealed that once the illicit brew arrives in Kisumu, it is repackaged into polythene bags for redistribution to various parts of the sub-county.
“The message we had was that the moment the chang’aa arrives within Kisumu, it is packed in polythene bags to be redistributed to other areas,” he stated.
The police commander reiterated that the fight against illicit brew and drugs remains a priority, noting that such substances continue to destroy the young generation.
He warned those involved in the illegal trade that law enforcement officers will relentlessly pursue them.
“Even if they run away, the law will still catch up with them,” he cautioned.
Ndiragu told K24 Digital that samples of the confiscated chang’aa will be taken to the government laboratory for analysis, after which the suspects will be arraigned in court.
The remaining exhibits will be preserved pending court directions on their destruction.
He urged Kisumu residents to cooperate with police officers, chiefs and local administrators by sharing information that could help curb the illegal trade.
“This fight cannot be won by the police alone. We need members of the public to assist us whenever they have information,” he said.
