Three suspects have been arrested in a major anti-illicit alcohol operation in Kakamega South, where the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) confiscated 7,000 litres of illegal alcohol and destroyed an estimated 70,000 litres of Kangara, a commonly brewed illicit substance.
The multi-agency raid, carried out on Friday in collaboration with the Kakamega County Police Command, targeted known illicit alcohol hotspots in Malinya, Sigalagala, and Musingu villages.
Acting on weeks of intelligence gathering and community tip-offs, officers raided and dismantled several large-scale brewing operations that had continued despite previous enforcement efforts.
“This is not just a raid it’s a surgical strike at the heart of illicit alcohol production in this region,” said the operation’s lead investigator.
Authorities described the uncovered brewing sites as highly organised and industrial in scale, with equipment capable of producing thousands of litres weekly.
Among the seized items were 12 large metal drums, over 500 kilograms of sugar, and various other brewing paraphernalia.
Speaking after the operation, NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to eradicating illegal alcohol production under the “Jukwaa la Usalama” campaign, a directive issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
“We are escalating our crackdown nationwide. Illicit brews are destroying families, eroding our communities, and robbing our children of a future,” said Dr. Omerikwa.
He issued a chilling warning about a new crisis: children as young as seven years old are now being introduced to alcohol, according to recent NACADA data.
“This is a national emergency. As schools are on holiday, we urge parents, teachers, and community leaders to heighten vigilance,” he said.
Dr. Omerikwa also warned establishments operating in the “legal grey zone” such as busaa joints hiding behind questionable licenses.
“We are coming for all outlets profiting from the destruction of our youth. No one will be spared under the guise of legitimate business,” he said.
He urged Kenyans to report suspicious activity via the Authority’s toll-free hotline 1192, assuring anonymity and swift action.
Local leaders welcomed the crackdown. A Musingu village elder praised the move, saying:
“These brews have poisoned our youth and fuelled crime for years. We hope this is the beginning of sustained enforcement not just a one-time show.”
The raid follows the launch of the National Policy for the Prevention, Management, and Control of Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse, which promotes multi-agency collaboration and community participation in combating the drug menace.
NACADA confirmed that similar crackdowns are scheduled for other high-risk regions, particularly areas near schools and residential neighbourhoods.
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