Police seize over 2,000 litres of illicit brew in Nairobi crackdown
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 12, 2025National Police Service (NPS) officers from the Nairobi Region launched a major intelligence-led operation on August 11, 2025, targeting illicit brew manufacturing dens in Zimmerman, Kasarani.
The raid resulted in the seizure and destruction of more than 2,000 litres of kangara and chang’aa, illegal alcoholic brews linked to numerous health risks and criminal activities.
“More than 2,000 litres of kangara and chang’aa were seized and destroyed,” the police said in a statement posted on their X account on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
The operation forms part of a broader nationwide campaign aimed at combating the manufacture, distribution, and consumption of unregulated and dangerous brews. Police officers remain on high alert as they continue pursuing and apprehending the masterminds behind these illegal operations.
“The National Police Service reaffirms its commitment to combating the manufacture, distribution, and use of illegal brews,” the NPS said.
Nationwide crackdowns continue intensifying
This crackdown follows similar operations in other parts of Nairobi and Kenya. For instance, on July 17, 2025, officers from Obama Police Station in Kayole Sub-County destroyed over 100 litres of kangara in Mwengenye area near Dandora Bridge, a raid that formed part of ongoing efforts to eliminate illicit alcohol dens across Nairobi.
In Kiambu County, police arrested a suspect involved in producing counterfeit alcoholic beverages and seized brewing materials, including ethanol drums and fake tax stamps.
The officers seized a variety of items used in the manufacture and packaging of fake liquor, including ten 250-litre drums containing ethanol, fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps, assorted alcohol brand stickers such as Fighter Vodka and King Horse, empty Keroche cartons, and an alcometer.
The NPS urges the public to remain vigilant and support these security operations by reporting any suspicious activities related to illegal alcohol production and distribution. Members of the public can provide information at their nearest police stations