Homa Bay County police officers have confiscated 2,353 rolls of cannabis sativa and arrested one suspect in a targeted raid that highlights Kenya’s growing efforts to combat narcotics.

In a statement on X on February 1, 2026, acting on a tip-off from the public, officers from Kendubay Police Station searched a rental house near Achuodho Beach after a tuk-tuk was seen offloading suspicious sacks.

The operation uncovered four sacks containing the rolled cannabis, believed to be destined for illegal distribution in the region.

The person of interest is currently in custody and will be arraigned in court, while the seized exhibits are secured at Kendubay Police Station pending forensic analysis.

“One person was arrested yesterday after police officers from Kendubay Police Station, on a routine patrol, acted on a tip-off regarding suspected drug trafficking activities at Achuodho Beach in Homa Bay County,” police stated.

The National Police Service commended the public for providing crucial intelligence and praised officers for their swift response, emphasising that collaboration with communities is vital for dismantling local drug networks.

“The information indicated that a tuk-tuk, believed to be ferrying bhang, had been seen offloading sacks at a rental house in the area. Officers swiftly responded and, upon searching the premises, recovered four sacks of cannabis sativa suspected to be intended for illegal distribution,” the statement added.

National crackdown intensifies

The Homa Bay bust comes amid a renewed nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking spearheaded by President William Ruto.

On January 7, 2026, the President chaired a multi-agency meeting to accelerate coordinated action against alcohol and drug abuse, reinforcing commitments made in his New Year’s address.

Ruto stressed a “whole-of-government approach” that integrates prevention, enforcement, treatment, and recovery. Key initiatives include establishing rehabilitation centres in all 47 counties in partnership with NACADA and county governments, improving social health coverage for addiction treatment, and deploying multi-agency border teams at critical entry points to curb smuggling.

The President also announced plans to strengthen the Anti-Narcotics Unit with more officers, training, and logistics while finalising legal frameworks for better inter-agency coordination.

Ruto issued a hard-hitting warning to traffickers: “Watu wa kuuza madawa ya kulevya kama heroine, cocaine… mtu kama huyo inakuwa capital punishment, anaenda kunyongwa,” highlighting the use of the death penalty for dealers of hard drugs and asset forfeiture for those involved in the illegal alcohol trade.

He framed these measures as essential for protecting Kenya’s youth and national security.