A major police operation targeting the production and distribution of illicit alcohol in Nairobi has led to the seizure of thousands of litres of illegal brews and the dismantling of an active distillation site in the Soweto informal settlement.
The intelligence-led crackdown was carried out on July 14, 2026, by officers from Kahawa West Police Station under the Nairobi North Sub-Region, as part of ongoing efforts to combat the manufacture and sale of illicit alcohol and narcotic substances.
During the operation, police uncovered an active brewing and distillation setup believed to have been supplying illegal alcoholic drinks to consumers within Nairobi and surrounding areas.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), officers recovered approximately 3,500 litres of Kangara, a traditional illicit brew commonly used in the production of Chang’aa, as well as 100 litres of ready-made Chang’aa.
Police also confiscated several brewing and distillation equipment used in the illegal operation, effectively shutting down the production site.
“Officers based at Kahawa West Police Station conducted a targeted crackdown on illicit alcohol and narcotic drugs within the Soweto informal settlement and successfully dismantled an active distillation setup,” the National Police Service said in a statement.
“The operation resulted in the seizure of 3,500 litres of Kangara, 100 litres of Chang’aa and multiple sets of brewing apparatus,” the statement added.
Authorities believe the illegal brewery had been operating for some time and could have been supplying significant quantities of illicit alcohol to consumers, exposing them to serious health risks.
The latest seizure forms part of a wider nationwide campaign by security agencies to curb the production, distribution and consumption of illicit brews, which have repeatedly been linked to deaths, blindness and other severe health complications.
Police noted that illicit alcohol remains a major challenge in several parts of the country, often fueling crime, addiction, domestic violence and other social problems.
A senior officer involved in the operation said the crackdown was made possible through information provided by members of the public.
“We commend residents who continue to share information with law enforcement officers. Their cooperation is critical in helping us identify and dismantle illegal operations that threaten public safety,” the officer said.
The National Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining similar operations across the country.
“The Service commends members of the public for their continued cooperation and remains committed to conducting targeted operations aimed at combating illicit brews and narcotic drugs countrywide,” the NPS stated.
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving the manufacture, sale or distribution of illicit alcohol and drugs.
“We encourage citizens to report any suspicious activity at the nearest police station so that appropriate action can be taken,” the Service added.
Investigations into the ownership and operation of the illegal distillation site are ongoing, with authorities expected to pursue those responsible as the government intensifies efforts to eliminate illicit alcohol networks and protect communities from harmful substances.
