Police arrest 4, seize 3,860 litres of illicit brew in Kahawa West raid
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, July 13, 2026Police officers from Kahawa West Police Station have seized 3,860 litres of illicit alcohol and arrested four persons of interest following an intelligence-led operation targeting an illegal brewing den in the Soweto area of Kahawa West.
Writing on X on Monday, July 13, 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) observed that the raid was conducted on Sunday, July 12, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to crack down on the manufacture and distribution of illicit alcoholic drinks.
“Police officers from Kahawa West Police Station yesterday, 12 July 2026, launched a raid in the Soweto area, dismantling a major illegal brewing den. The intelligence-led operation resulted in the seizure of 3,800 litres of Kangara and 60 litres of Chang’aa. Police also seized the brewing apparatus and arrested four suspects, who are currently in custody awaiting arraignment,” the NPS statement read in part.
Illicit brew seized
The service has noted that during the operation, officers recovered 3,800 litres of Kangara and 60 litres of Chang’aa, bringing the total amount of illicit brew seized to 3,860 litres. Police also confiscated brewing equipment believed to have been used in the production of the illegal alcohol.
The four individuals arrested during the operation are currently being held in police custody and are expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are completed.
Police further appealed to members of the public to support the fight against illicit alcohol by reporting suspicious activities through the nearest police station or using the toll-free emergency numbers 999 and 911.
Anonymous reports can also be made through the DCI’s hotline on 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
The latest crackdown comes amid sustained efforts by security agencies to curb the proliferation of illicit alcohol, which authorities say poses serious health risks and fuels criminal activities in communities.