Authorities in Trans Nzoia County have seized approximately 1,900 litres of illicit alcohol and arrested one individual during a coordinated operation targeting illegal brewing activities.
The crackdown, conducted on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, involved officers from Waitaluk Police Station working alongside National Government Administration Officers (NGAO). The joint operation focused on disrupting the production, distribution, and consumption of unlicensed alcoholic beverages, which are linked to serious health and security risks.
Details of the Raid
- Police raided a suspected illegal distillery at a homestead, recovering 300 litres of Chang’aa and 1,600 litres of Kangara.
- Along with the illicit brews, equipment used to manufacture the alcohol was confiscated.
- Chang’aa is a locally distilled spirit that requires strict licensing to be legally produced and sold.
- Kangara is a fermented mash commonly used in illegal alcohol production.
One suspect was taken into custody and awaits arraignment. Authorities have secured the seized items to support ongoing investigations and are working to identify additional individuals involved in the illicit trade.
Broader Context
This operation forms part of a wider national campaign to combat illegal alcohol manufacturing, which has been associated with poisoning incidents, deaths, organized crime, and tax evasion. The National Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting communities from the dangers posed by unregulated alcoholic beverages.
Trans Nzoia County is among several regions where enforcement efforts have intensified to dismantle illegal alcohol networks and enforce existing alcohol control legislation.
Investigations continue as authorities seek to apprehend other suspects linked to the illegal distilling operations.
