Illicit brew crackdown: 189 arrested, 203 liquor outlets closed in Homa Bay

Homa Bay Illicit Brew Crackdown Nets 189 Arrests, 203 Outlets Closed
A major security operation against illicit alcohol in Homa Bay County has led to the arrest of 189 suspects and the closure of 203 liquor outlets in a sweeping crackdown. The multi-agency initiative, which involved the police and officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and public health department, targeted establishments in all eight sub-counties, resulting in the seizure of thousands of litres of illegal and second-generation liquor.
The operation, spearheaded by County Commissioner Moses Lilan, focused on bars and outlets operating without valid licenses, selling counterfeit alcohol, or dealing in illicit brews that have been linked to social and health crises in the region. We are determined to restore sanity and protect our people from the harmful effects of these substances, Lilan stated, emphasizing that the crackdown would be sustained until the vice is fully eradicated. Those arrested are expected to be charged in accordance with the National Police Service Act and the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act.
The crackdown has been met with widespread support from community members, religious leaders, and local officials who have long decried the devastating impact of alcohol and drug abuse on families and youth productivity. Area Governor Gladys Wanga affirmed her administration’s support for the operation, stressing the need for collaborative efforts between county and national government to address the root causes of substance abuse, including unemployment and poverty.
Despite the initial success, authorities acknowledge that a long-term solution requires more than law enforcement alone. Plans are underway to complement the security operation with public awareness campaigns and economic empowerment programs aimed at providing the youth with alternative sources of livelihood. As the crackdown continues, the resolve of both the security teams and the community will be critical in ensuring that the gains made are not reversed, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous Homa Bay.