Police destroy thousands of litres of illicit alcohol in Kahawa West, September 3, 2025. /NPSPolice in Nairobi have destroyed thousands of litres of illicit alcohol in Kahawa West as multi-agency operations against the illegal trade gather pace across the country.
During the Wednesday operation, officers from the Nairobi Regional Headquarters destroyed more than 3,500 litres of kangara and confiscated 180 litres of chang’aa alongside two brewing coils.
Although the suspect behind the illegal operation escaped, police said a manhunt is underway.
In a statement, the National Police Service said it remains committed to rooting out the vice, calling on the public to provide information.
“Members of the public are encouraged to support the operations by reporting any suspicious activities to their nearest police station or via the toll-free numbers 999, 911, 112, #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203, or WhatsApp 0709 570 000,” the Service said.
The Kahawa West raid is the latest in a string of nationwide crackdowns.
On September 1, officers in Nyando Sub-County intercepted a motorcycle along the Ahero–Katito highway.
The rider abandoned the bike and fled, leaving behind 100 litres of chang’aa packed in five jerricans.
The motorcycle and the alcohol were taken to the local station as efforts to arrest the suspect continue.
On the same day, police in Eldoret, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a Toyota Corolla suspected of ferrying chang’aa.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 500 litres of the illicit drink packed in polythene pouches and plastic bottles.
The two occupants were arrested and held at Eldoret police station pending arraignment.
In Kisumu county, more than 40,000 litres of illicit alcohol were destroyed in Pap Onditi on September 2 in a joint raid led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada), National Government Administration Officers, and the Administration Police.
The operation yielded 200 litres of chang’aa, 5,000 litres of molasses and 35,000 litres of kangara.
Two suspects were arrested and detained at Sondu Miriu police station.
Nacada CEO Anthony Omerikwa said the operation was part of the government’s 100-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) directed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
The initiative seeks to dismantle illicit alcohol networks and curb substance abuse across the country.
