Police have intensified operations against illicit drugs and alcohol across Western Kenya, with recent raids in Kakamega, Nandi, Busia, and Vihiga counties.

On Monday, January 12, 2026, officers from Lumakanda Police Station in Kakamega County intercepted a vehicle suspected of transporting cannabis sativa (Bangi). Acting on information from the public, the officers laid a strategic ambush along the Webuye–Eldoret Highway.

The vehicle, travelling from Busia towards Eldoret, was stopped and searched. Two bales weighing approximately 10 kilograms each, containing dry plant material believed to be cannabis, were recovered. The driver was arrested, and the vehicle was impounded. Investigations are ongoing.

“The officers laid a strategic ambush along the Webuye–Eldoret Highway, leading to the interception of the vehicle, which was travelling from Busia towards Eldoret,” the police stated.

“Following a search, two bales were recovered from the vehicle. Each bale weighed approximately 10 kilograms and contained a dry plant material suspected to be cannabis (bhang).”

This operation is part of a series of recent crackdowns targeting illicit substances in the region. Just days earlier, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, officers from Busia Police Station, led by County Commander Abdille Ahmed, CP, conducted a targeted operation against illicit alcohol in the Nasewa area.

They recovered 1,725 litres of Kangara and 80 litres of Chang’aa from a residential property. One person was arrested and taken to Busia Police Station, awaiting arraignment.

Crackdown hits illicit brews

Meanwhile, in Nandi County, officers from the Nandi South Sub-County carried out a major operation against illicit brews in Kapkerer Location on Friday, January 9, 2026. The raids covered Kipsigak, Baibai, Chepsis, and Kipkurui villages.

Officers destroyed 3,010 litres of Kangara and dismantled brewing equipment concealed in bushes, riversides, and forested areas. Additionally, 60 litres of Chang’aa were seized from a residential property. Suspected brewers fled the scene, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend them.

On the same day, the Western Regional Police Commander, Issa Mohamed, AIG, led a multi-agency security team in a crackdown operation targeting Shikumu Location in Kakamega County and Kilingili Location in Vihiga County, covering Lwanaswa, Kaluni, and Ishieywe villages.

The team destroyed 50,000 litres of Kangara, dismantled 613 brewing apparatus, recovered 350 litres of Chang’aa, and arrested eight people, who were placed in custody for processing and subsequent court arraignment. The exhibits were secured at a police facility.

The NPS has emphasised the importance of public cooperation in these operations, noting that information from communities plays a crucial role in preventing drug trafficking and illegal alcohol production. Officers say the actions aim to safeguard public health and reduce the social and economic harm caused by illicit substances.