Police in Kisumu County have seized 395 litres of suspected chang’aa and arrested a suspect during a targeted multi-agency operation in the Nyalenda ‘B’ area.
The operation was conducted in the Maembe Tatu area of Nyalenda ‘B’ sub-location on Monday, by officers from the National Police Service in collaboration with other government agencies.
Intelligence reports indicate the storage and distribution of illicit alcohol within residential houses.
According to police, the suspected illicit brew was discovered hidden in unusual sections of the house during a thorough search.
The suspect was arrested at the scene and taken into police custody, where they are being held pending arraignment in court.
Speaking after the operation, Kisumu County police officials said the crackdown forms part of sustained efforts to dismantle illicit alcohol networks that continue to pose serious risks to public health and safety.
“This operation is part of an ongoing enforcement drive to curb the production, distribution, and consumption of illicit brews within Kisumu County,” The police said.
“Illicit alcohol has been linked to loss of lives, long-term health complications, and rising insecurity, and we will not relent in our efforts.”
Kisumu County has, in recent years, remained among regions grappling with the proliferation of illicit alcohol, particularly in informal settlements where brews such as chang’aa are cheaply available.
Authorities say these substances are often produced under unhygienic conditions and may contain harmful chemicals, making them extremely dangerous to consumers.
In previous incidents across the county, consumption of illicit alcohol has been blamed for cases of poisoning, hospital admissions, and deaths, prompting heightened enforcement by security agencies and public health officers.
Police said Monday’s seizure demonstrates a shift in tactics by illicit alcohol dealers, who increasingly hide large quantities of brew inside homes to evade detection.
“The public should be aware that these operators are becoming more creative, but our intelligence-led operations are equally evolving,” they added.
“We urge residents to share information that can help us eliminate these illegal activities.”
The suspect is expected to be charged under existing laws governing the manufacture and sale of illicit alcohol once investigations are complete.
Authorities also warned landlords and homeowners against allowing their premises to be used for illegal activities, noting that those found culpable risk facing legal action.
The NPS reiterated its commitment to sustained enforcement, stating that similar operations will continue across Kisumu County in the coming weeks as part of a broader strategy to safeguard public health and enhance security.
Residents were urged to report suspected illicit alcohol dens through police channels, with assurances that information shared will be treated confidentially.
