Police seize over 3,000 litres of illicit brew in Kahawa West raid
By David Nthua, July 27, 2026Police have destroyed more than 3,000 litres of illicit brew following a targeted operation in Kahawa West, Nairobi County.
The National Police Service (NPS) said officers from Kahawa West Police Station carried out the raid in the Soweto area on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
During the operation, the NPS statement on Monday, July 27, 2026, states that police seized and destroyed 3,100 litres of kangara and 180 litres of chang’aa. Brewing apparatus and distilling equipment found at the site were also destroyed.
“During the raid, the officers intercepted and destroyed on site 3,100 litres of kangara and 180 litres of chang’aa,” NPS said.
The operation targeted suspected narcotics and illicit alcohol dens in the area. However, the police statement did not indicate whether any persons of interest were arrested or whether narcotic drugs were recovered.
Police target illegal brewing networks
NPS said the raid formed part of continued operations aimed at dismantling illegal brewing networks across the country.
The service said the operations were intended to curb substance abuse and improve public safety.
“The National Police Service reiterates its commitment to continuing targeted operations to dismantle illegal brewing networks,” the statement added.
The Kahawa West operation focused on destroying both the illicit alcohol and the equipment used in its production. Police said the seized brew was destroyed at the scene.
The statement did not disclose the estimated value of the alcohol and equipment. It also did not identify the people believed to be operating the brewing site.
Residents asked to report illegal activity
NPS asked members of the public to cooperate with officers and report suspected criminal activity within their neighbourhoods.
Residents can report incidents at the nearest police station or through the emergency numbers 999 and 911.
Anonymous reports can also be made through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ FichuaKwaDCI hotline on 0800 722 203.
Members of the public may also submit information through WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
NPS said it would continue targeted operations to dismantle illegal brewing networks, curb substance abuse and improve security nationwide.
The crackdown comes as police continue targeting illegal alcohol production and distribution in Nairobi and other parts of the country.