Police destroy over 200 litres of illicit brew crackdown in Kisumu

One suspect was arrested at the scene and is due to appear in court

by JENNIFER KANARI

Nyanza21 July 2025 - 10:09

In Summary

The officers conducted a successful operation leading to the destruction of large quantity of illicit brew.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the thicket was being used as a temporary storage site for the Kangara before its transportation for distillation. ‘

Police officers in Kisumu have destroyed a large cache of illicit brew following a successful operation in Kisumu Central, continuing a nationwide crackdown on illegal alcohol.

Acting on a tip-off from a member of the public, officers from Kisumu Central Police Station on Sunday uncovered and destroyed 10 jerricans (20 litres each), two 200-litre drums of Kangara, and five litres of chang’aa hidden in a local thicket.

"During the operation, officers uncovered a concealed stash hidden within a local thicket," the police reported, noting the area was likely used as a temporary storage site before transportation for distillation.

One suspect, believed to be the owner of the illicit brews, was arrested at the scene and is expected to be charged in court. The Kisumu operation is the latest in a series of coordinated raids aimed at eliminating illegal alcohol production across the country.

On July 18, 2025, officers from Obama Police Station in Nairobi’s Kayole Sub-County raided illegal brewing dens near Dandora Bridge along the Nairobi River, destroying more than ten 20-litre plastic jerricans used in brewing chang’aa.

Investigations into the identities of those behind the operation are still ongoing. In Nandi County, a raid conducted on June 13 by officers from Kapsabet Police Station, in collaboration with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), led to the seizure of 240 litres of chang’aa in the Surungai area.

The suspect was found transporting the brew in a 50-kilogramme blue sack and is currently in police custody awaiting court proceedings.

Earlier on June 9, police in Kisii County confiscated 20 litres of chang’aa and destroyed 210 litres of Kangara during a raid in Nyangusu sub-location, Nyamache sub-county.

One suspect was arrested and later charged at the Ogembo Law Courts. According to the National Police Service (NPS), these operations are part of a broader strategy to protect public health and safety by eliminating the production and consumption of unregulated, potentially harmful brews.

"The National Police Service remains committed to working with all stakeholders to eliminate illicit brews and drugs," the NPS stated.