Efforts to curb the production and sale of illicit alcohol have intensified in Homa Bay County, following a major crackdown in the Maguti area, located along the shores of Lake Victoria.
On October 2, 2025, a joint multi-agency team led by officers from Kendubay Police Station and National Government Administration Officers conducted a targeted operation aimed at dismantling illegal brewing operations in the area.
According to an official statement from the National Police Service, the security team managed to seize and destroy over 12,000 litres of Kangara, a traditional alcoholic brew that is commonly used in the manufacture of illegal spirits.
In addition to the illicit brew, assorted brewing paraphernalia was also recovered and destroyed on-site.
“This operation will continue as part of sustained efforts to eliminate illicit brews in the region,” the National Police Service said in its statement.
The crackdown comes in response to growing concerns over the impact of illicit brews on public health, safety, and social order in the area.
Authorities say such operations are key in disrupting the illegal alcohol supply chain that continues to pose a serious risk to the local population.
In acknowledging the efforts of the teams involved, the National Police Service praised the officers and their partners for their dedication to the mission.
“The National Police Service commends the officers and partner agencies for their commitment to the fight against illicit alcohol,” the statement read.
The Service is now calling on members of the public to be actively involved in the campaign against illegal alcohol by providing timely information to law enforcement agencies.
“We urge members of the public to support this cause by reporting any such activities to their nearest police station,” added the statement.
This latest operation marks a continuation of a national effort to eradicate illicit brewing activities, which have been linked to numerous social and economic challenges across various counties.
Authorities have reiterated that such enforcement actions will be sustained, with more operations expected in identified hotspots within Homa Bay and surrounding regions.
This marks a major crackdown in Nyanza. Recently in Kisumu, police destroyed 200 litres of brew in a similar crackdown.
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.
