Police Arrest Suspect, Seize 400 Litres Of Chang’aa In Majengo Raid

By Fatuma Rashid Arfun

Police have arrested one suspect and seized 400 litres of suspected chang’aa during a targeted crackdown on illicit alcohol in Majengo, Nanyuki, Laikipia East Sub-County.

The operation was conducted by officers from Nanyuki Police Station under the command of the Sub-County Police Commander, targeting known brewing and distribution points within Majengo and nearby estates.

Police said the raid followed intelligence reports linking the area to persistent production and sale of illicit brews, blamed for rising health risks and crime within informal settlements.

During the operation, officers recovered the suspected chang’aa stored in 20 yellow plastic containers concealed inside a residential structure believed to be used for illegal brewing.

Also seized were 150 packets of assorted Super Match cigarettes suspected to be uncustomed, raising additional concerns over illicit trade networks operating within the area.

“The suspect was arrested at the scene and taken to Nanyuki Police Station, where detectives are processing the case ahead of arraignment,” police said in a statement.

Authorities said all recovered items were secured and logged as exhibits as investigations continue to establish the source, supply chain, and possible accomplices.

Illicit alcohol remains widespread across parts of the Mt Kenya region, particularly in urban settlements and rural villages where unemployment and poverty persist.

Chang’aa and other illicit brews have been linked to deaths, blindness, addiction, domestic violence, and school dropouts, according to public health and security agencies.

Despite repeated crackdowns, brewers often resume operations shortly after raids, exploiting weak enforcement, corruption, and high consumer demand for cheap alcohol.

The government has intensified multi-agency operations involving police, public health officers, county administrators, and national government officials to curb the vice.

Authorities have also increased public awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of illicit brews, while encouraging communities to reject illegal alcohol outlets.

In Laikipia and neighbouring counties, police say sustained enforcement has led to arrests, destruction of brewing equipment, and prosecution of offenders.

Similar operations are ongoing as the police intensify efforts to curb the manufacture, distribution, and sale of illicit alcohol and other illegal drugs.

Security agencies say community cooperation remains critical in dismantling networks that profit from illegal alcohol and narcotics across the region.

Members of the public have been urged to share information through police stations, toll-free numbers, or anonymous platforms to support ongoing enforcement efforts.