Kakamega: 3 Arrested as NACADA Launches Surgical Operation against Illicit Brew Makers
- The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse and the Kakamega county police command launched a crackdown on illicit brew makers
- As a result, NACADA announced the arrest of three suspects who were later taken to the Kakamega police station
- The authority explained the strategy that they used to arrest the three while also listing items found in their possession
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
In a move to fight against the consumption of illicit brews, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) arrested three people.
Source: Facebook
The authority also managed to confiscate and destroy approximately 7000 litres of illegal brew commonly known as Kangara during a major crackdown in Kakamega.
What Kakamega areas did NACADA target?
In a statement seen by TUKO.co.ke, NACADA stated that they targeted areas that are mostly known for the excessive consumption of the brew, including Malinya, Sigalagala, and Musingu villages.
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The operation was a result of a joint operation between NACADA and the Kakamega county police command after weeks of carrying out a thorough surveillance and community tip-offs.
"This is not just a raid - it's a surgical strike against the heart of illicit alcohol production in this region," the lead investigator of the operation said.
The three suspects who were arrested following the crackdown were taken to the Kakamega Police Station, where they faced charges related to the production and distribution of illicit alcohol.
What items were recovered from Kakamega brewers
The officers were also able to recover some of the items that were used in the making of the illicit brews.
"Among the items seized and destroyed were 12 large metallic drums, over 500kg of sugar intended for fermentation, and various other brewing paraphernalia.These weren't small-time operations."
"We're talking about professional setups capable of producing thousands of litres weekly, with distribution networks reaching multiple counties."NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa emphasised the wider implications of the crackdown:
Omerikwa stated that the crackdown is part of the Jukwaa la Usalama initiative, asserting that they are following directions from the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
The efforts are to eradicate the menace that has continued to destroy families and communities.
"Our latest research shows the age of alcohol initiation in Kenya has dropped to just seven years. This is a national emergency that requires urgent, collective action. During these school holidays, we particularly urge parents, teachers, and community leaders to be extra vigilant," he said.
He further announced the move by the authority to establish a toll-free number that will enable Kenyans to report cases of the selling of illicit brews.
"The Authority has established multiple reporting channels, including a toll-free number 1192, to facilitate real-time reporting of illegal activities. Community leaders in Kakamega South welcomed the operation, he said.
Police corner illicit brewer who threatened them with panga
In a previous incident, the police were able to arrest an illicit brewer in Kuria West, Migori county.
At least 100 litres of Chang'aa and 400 litres of locally brewed Kangara, an ingredient that is used in Chang'aa, were confiscated.
Source: Facebook
Before his arrest, the suspect had attempted to resist arrest and even threatened police officers using a panga.
According to the police, the brewer became hostile when they attempted to gain access to his storage facility.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
