Police officers from Koitabut Police Post have intercepted a motorcycle transporting illicit brew along the Serem–Kobujoi road in Nandi South Sub-County, recovering 50 sachets of chang’aa.

In a statement posted on its X account on Friday, August 29, 2025, the National Police Service detailed the operation that took place on Thursday in Koitabut.

“Police officers from the Koitabut Police Post yesterday intercepted a motorcycle transporting illicit brew (chang’aa) along the Serem–Kobujoi road in Nandi South Sub-County,” NPS stated.

According to the police, officers flagged down the rider along the Serem–Kobujoi road, but he ignored orders to stop, leading to a chase along the Mugen–Kemeloi–Chepgundi route, which resulted in the individual abandoning the motorcycle and fleeing on foot.

“The rider, who defied police orders to stop, abandoned the motorcycle and fled on foot after a chase along the Mugen–Kemeloi–Chepgundi route,” the statement read.

Illicit brew recovered

Police reported recovering a substantial quantity of illicit brew during their inspection of the abandoned motorcycle.

“On inspection, officers recovered 50 sachets of chang’aa packed in a metal box and a carton, eight of which were torn,” NPS noted.

NPS further stated that they have secured both the motorcycle and the confiscated illicit brew as evidence while investigations continue.

“Both the motorcycle and the illicit brew have been secured at Koitabut Police Post as investigations to apprehend the suspect continue,” the statement detailed.

War on alcohol and drugs

This operation follows a recent directive from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, ordering security agencies across the country to intensify efforts against illicit alcohol, narcotics, and adulterated ethanol.

Speaking at the Jukwa la Usalama Nyeri event on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Murkomen announced the formation of a national multi-agency team tasked with conducting coordinated sting operations targeting manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of illegal substances across all counties.

“We have agreed at the security meeting with the IG and the CEO of NACADA that we are going to establish a special multi-agency team that will include KEBS and KRA, among other agencies, to work together to ensure compliance,” Murkomen stated.

The Cabinet Secretary pledged to continue crackdowns until the issue is eradicated, not only in Central Kenya but also in other regions where businesses operate without proper licenses.

“Where we feel the need to reinforce, the national team will be called in to support this issue of alcohol in our country,” he emphasised.