Crack down of illicit brews intensifies in Homa Bay County

Homa Bay Intensifies Crackdown on Illicit Brews and Drugs
A major multi-agency operation targeting illicit brews, drugs, and other harmful substances is underway across Homa Bay County, leading to the seizure of thousands of liters of illegal alcohol and the closure of non-compliant outlets. The crackdown, led by County Commissioner Moses Lilan and involving the National Police Service, public health officers, and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), aims to dismantle the production and distribution networks fueling substance abuse in the region.
The operation has seen security teams conduct raids in various sub-counties, including Rangwe, Ndhiwa, and Homa Bay Town, where large quantities of second-generation liquor and counterfeit drinks have been confiscated. Several individuals have been arrested and will be prosecuted in line with the National Police Service Act and the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act. We are committed to ending this vice that has destroyed families and robbed our youth of their future, stated Commissioner Lilan, emphasizing that the operation will be sustained until the illicit trade is fully eradicated.
Local residents and community leaders have largely welcomed the initiative, citing the devastating social and economic impact of alcohol and drug abuse in the area. Many have called for the crackdown to remain continuous rather than periodic, to prevent the resurgence of the illegal trade once the operation eases. Our children have dropped out of school, and productive young people have been rendered useless by these illicit drinks. This operation is long overdue, said a community elder from Rangwe.
The Homa Bay crackdown is part of a broader national effort to combat the manufacture, sale, and consumption of illicit alcohol and narcotics. As the operation continues, authorities are also focusing on public awareness campaigns to educate residents on the dangers of substance abuse and to encourage community reporting of illegal brewers and drug peddlers. The county security team has urged the public to support the initiative, reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring social order and safeguarding the well-being of current and future generations.