Five people have been apprehended and 1,300 litres of kangara destroyed during a police operation in Soweto, Nairobi, as authorities intensify the crackdown on illicit alcohol.
The National Police Service (NPS) said the operation also led to the destruction of equipment used to manufacture the illegal brew.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, police said the five individuals had been placed in custody pending processing and arraignment in court.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts to stop the production and distribution of illicit alcohol, which authorities say poses health and social risks to communities.
Police target illicit alcohol production
The NPS said the crackdown would continue across the country, targeting people involved in manufacturing and distributing unregulated alcoholic drinks.
“Action against the production, distribution and consumption of illicit alcohol will continue nationwide, as the National Police Service sustains operations aimed at protecting communities from the health and social harm associated with unregulated brews,” the police service said.
The latest operation comes days after police destroyed more than 1,000 litres of kangara and brewing equipment in Soweto, Kasarani Sub-County, during another crackdown on illegal alcohol production.
In that operation, officers also targeted the Swere area, where suspected chang’aa was destroyed during a separate multi-agency raid. .
Police give contacts for reporting illicit brews
The police service has urged residents to report suspicious activities linked to the manufacture and sale of illicit alcohol.
Members of the public can report the activities at the nearest police station or through the emergency toll-free numbers 999 and 911.
They can also share information anonymously through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Fichua Kwa DCI hotline on 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.
The NPS said public support would help security agencies identify illegal brewing sites and protect communities from the dangers associated with unregulated alcohol.
