Police seize illicit brew and dismantle production dens in Kisumu operation
By Cynthia Lodite, May 24, 2026Police officers from Miwani Police Station and Kibos Police Post, in collaboration with National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), have destroyed over one thousand litres of Kangara in Kisumu County.
In a statement on Sunday, May 24, 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that the crackdown was conducted on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Kasiaya Village, Obumba Sub-Location.
“Police officers from Miwani Police Station and Kibos Police Post, in collaboration with National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), yesterday (23rd May 2026) conducted a successful crackdown on illicit brews and drug dens in Kasiaya Village, Obumba Sub-Location,” NPS said.
According to the officers, the joint operation targeted notorious manufacturing dens hidden along local streams and within agricultural plantations.
Dismantle production dens
At the time of the raid, the officers confirmed that two major illegal production sites were destroyed, as well as multiple fermentation drums and jerrycans used in the illegal distillation process.
“During the raid, officers successfully dismantled two major illegal production sites and destroyed over 1,000 litres of kangara. They also confiscated and destroyed on site multiple fermentation drums and jerrycans used in the illegal distillation process,” NPS stated.
Following the crackdown, the National Police Service has reiterated its commitment to eliminating the production and consumption of illicit alcohol and drugs nationwide.
Meanwhile, the service has called on members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Nairobi crackdown
The Kisumu County crackdown came weeks after the Kenya Police Service had intensified the illicit brew crackdown in Nairobi County, as officers from Kasarani Police Station raided an illegal brewing den in the informal settlements of Soweto.
In a statement by the Kenya Police on Monday, April 6, 2026, the officers destroyed at least 2,000 litres of kangara and assorted brewing equipment.
While confirming the incident, the Kenya Police Service said the key persons of interest had fled the scene and are being pursued.
“Illicit Brew Crackdown Intensifies. Officers in Kasarani Sub-County have raided an illegal brewing den in Soweto informal settlement, destroying 2,000 litres of kangara and assorted brewing equipment. The suspects fled and are being pursued,” Kenya Police stated.