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Police nab 1,500 litres of ethanol in Thika
25th February, 2026 05:35 PM
Police in Thika have nabbed 1,500 litres of ethanol at a posh home in Ngoingwa Estate.
Thika West Sub-county Police Commander Lawrence Muchangi said that police acted on a tip-off from members of the public of a suspected illicit brew distillery in the village on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
The police chief noted that, following the crackdown, it was established that the house was a storage facility, adding that investigations have been launched to dismantle the cartel perpetrating the outlawed trade and to establish where it is being used to manufacture second-generation brews.
“We suspect that the substance stored in blue drums is ethanol, and this will be established by a government chemist. This house was being used as a storage facility, and we suspect it is usually taken elsewhere. Investigations are, however, underway,” Muchangi said.
One person, a worker, was arrested during the crackdown as police seek more, including the bigwigs behind the business.
Police said the operation followed growing concern from residents who had noticed unusual movements in and out of the compound, especially at night. Detectives believe the ethanol could have been destined for the production of illicit alcohol, a trade that has previously led to loss of lives in parts of Kiambu County.
All the same, the Ngoingwa development comes just hours after the National Police Service reported intercepting another suspected illegal ethanol consignment in Webuye.
“National Police Service officers based in Webuye yesterday impounded a lorry that had been seemingly abandoned near a petrol station,” NPS stated.
“A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of thirty-two barrels, each with a capacity of 250 litres, containing a liquid suspected to be ethanol. The substantial quantity recovered points to a possible case of unlawful transportation and distribution, which is now under active investigation. The motor vehicle and the recovered consignment have been detained at Webuye Police Station pending verification, sampling, and forensic analysis.”
“Investigations are ongoing to establish the ownership of the vehicle and to identify and apprehend the driver and any other individuals connected to the incident. The National Police Service remains vigilant and committed to disrupting illegal activities, protecting legitimate trade, and safeguarding the public from potentially harmful or illicit substances.”
