Kakamega County police have arrested five persons of interest in the Makhukuni area following a targeted operation against illicit brews, seizing 35 litres of the deadly Chang’aa in the process.

Officers from Matete Police Station swooped on the suspects on Saturday, 29th November 2025, after receiving intelligence on the illegal trade.

“Officers from Matete Police Station in Kakamega County have conducted a successful operation against illicit alcohol in the Makhukuni area,” the National Police Service stated in an official release dated November 30, 2025.

The five were immediately taken into custody and are awaiting processing before arraignment in court.

“The operation, which took place on Saturday, 29th November 2025, led to the arrest of five suspects found in possession of 35 litres of Chang’aa. The suspects are currently in custody, awaiting processing before being arraigned in court.”

Part of nationwide offensive

The raid forms part of a wider, aggressive campaign by security agencies to dismantle the illicit alcohol network in Kakamega and beyond. “The National Police Service reaffirms its commitment to continuing the fight against illicit alcohol and narcotic drugs across the country,” the statement emphasised.

The Makhukuni bust comes a day after a similar high-impact operation in Juja Sub-County, Kiambu County, where police recovered 60 rolls of suspected cannabis sativa and arrested one suspect in the Kimbo area.

In that Friday raid, officers from Mugutha Police Station acted on credible intelligence, securing the drugs as evidence while the person of interest was processed for court.

The near-simultaneous operations in two different counties signal a coordinated nationwide offensive against second-generation alcohol and narcotics. Authorities say the two substances remain the leading contributors to crime, road accidents, and public health emergencies in Kenya.

Public support urged

Chang’aa, often laced with industrial chemicals and methanol to increase potency, has claimed hundreds of lives in past poisoning outbreaks across the country. Cannabis, while perceived by some as less harmful, fuels a multi-billion-shilling black market that finances other organised crimes.

“The National Police Service reaffirms its commitment to continuing the fight against illicit alcohol and narcotic drugs across the country.”

Police have urged members of the public to volunteer information on dens and traffickers.

“Members of the public are encouraged to support these efforts by reporting any suspicious activities.”