A renewed nationwide crackdown on illicit brews gathered momentum on Friday as senior police commanders rallied officers in the Rift Valley in coordinated enforcement operations in Nandi County and parts of Western Kenya.
The raids led to the arrest of dozens of suspects and the destruction of thousands of litres of alcohol described by authorities as unlicensed or counterfeit.
Inspector General of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja toured Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties on Friday as part of a general security review, with a particular focus on the escalating fight against harmful drugs and illicit brews.
The visit came against the backdrop of intensified operations by police units in multiple regions, following high-level government directives to stamp out the trade.
During the tour, the Inspector General met officers drawn from the two counties and underscored the urgency of the campaign, which he linked to recent national-level deliberations.
The appraisal, police said, “centred particularly on the renewed focus in the fight against harmful drugs and illicit brews,” an issue that has attracted the attention of President William Ruto.
Inspector General of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja toured Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties on Friday as part of a general security review/HANDOUT
The renewed push follows a multi-agency stakeholders’ meeting held at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, January 7, where a raft of measures was agreed upon with the aim of ridding the country of the harmful substances.
Kanja told officers that the government was fully committed to winning the war, and urged them to take stock of “the current status, achievements, and challenges” facing enforcement teams on the ground.
In his address to commanders, the IG directed that the multi-agency framework be strictly observed in all operations to ensure sustained success.
He reminded officers to remain “disciplined, steadfast, diligent, and committed” in the execution of their duties, stressing the importance of thorough briefings and debriefings.
He further noted that patriotism must remain at the core of police work, calling on commanders to “stand out” and serve the country to the best of their ability as the force moves to eradicate the vice.
Even as the top command issued policy direction, enforcement teams were already in action.
In Nandi South subcounty, police officers conducted a targeted operation against illicit alcohol in Kapkerer Location, focusing on Kipsigak, Baibai, Chepsis and Kipkurui villages.
The raids led to the destruction of 3,010 litres of kangara and the dismantling of brewing apparatus concealed in bushes, along rivers and within forested areas.
Officers also recovered 60 litres of chang’aa from a residential property, which was secured as evidence.
Suspected brewers fled upon noticing the police presence, with investigators saying efforts were ongoing to track them down.
The National Police Service said it remained “steadfast in its resolve to combat illicit alcohol and to safeguard public health and safety.”
DIG Eliud Lagat chairs a strategic meeting in the Western Region, January 9, 2026. /NPS
DIG Eliud Lagat chairs a strategic meeting in Western Region, January 9, 2026. /NPS
A parallel operation was carried out in Western Kenya following a strategy meeting between Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and regional police commanders.
The coordinated raids resulted in the arrest of more than 50 suspects.
Police seized 1,196 litres of chang’aa and 1,195 litres of kangara, while a further 873 litres of chang’aa and an estimated 50,900 litres of kangara were destroyed on site.
Senior officers accompanying the Inspector General during the Rift Valley tour included the Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and the National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
County and regional commanders from Uasin Gishu and Nandi were also present during the engagements.
Earlier on January 8, Regional Police Commander-Western Issa Mohammed led an operation in Eregi area that led to destruction of 50,000 litres of kangara and 613 litres of chang’aa.
Eight suspects were arrested with 350 litres of chang’aa.
Regional Police Commander-Western Issa Mohammed led an operation in Eregi area, January 8, 2026. /NPS
Regional Police Commander-Western Issa Mohammed led an operation in Eregi area, January 8, 2026. /NPS
Police have appealed to members of the public to support the ongoing crackdown by sharing information on drug and alcohol-related activities.
Reports can be made at the nearest police station, through the toll-free emergency numbers 999, 911 or 112, or anonymously via the #FichuaKwaDCI channels.
As enforcement operations continue across multiple regions, police leadership maintains that sustained collaboration between agencies and communities will be key to dismantling illicit brew networks and curbing the social and health harms associated with the trade.