Five Nabbed in Kisii as NACADA Seizes 55,000 Litres of Illicit Brew
A multi-agency team led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has uncovered one of the largest illegal brewing operations in Kisii County, seizing more than 55,000 litres of kangara and 500 litres of chang’aa during a dawn raid in Mwaguto Village, Kisii South Sub-County. The crackdown resulted in the arrest of five suspects — three women and two men — believed to be behind the illicit trade.
According to NACADA officials, the swoop followed weeks of surveillance on a four-acre property that had been converted into a large-scale brewing den. The site was equipped with underground storage tanks, distillation drums, and distribution facilities. The operation was conducted in coordination with the police and local administrators, who confirmed that the suspects were found actively processing and packaging the illegal liquor at the time of arrest.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa commended the officers involved and announced plans to initiate legal action to permanently shut down the premises. We are sending a strong message — this illegal trade will not be tolerated. The property used for brewing will be confiscated and handed over to the government, he said. Local residents expressed relief, noting that the illicit alcohol business had contributed to rising crime and social decay in the area. Authorities have confirmed that the five suspects will be arraigned in court as investigations continue, marking a renewed nationwide effort to dismantle Kenya’s illegal alcohol networks.