Two held as NACADA wipes out Kisumu brew hub

Police officers destroy drums of illicit brew during a raid in Pap Onditi, Kisumu County.

A multi-agency team led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has destroyed more than 40,000 litres of illicit alcohol in Kisumu County and arrested two suspects in what officials say is part of a renewed 100-day national crackdown.

The Tuesday raid in Pap Onditi, Bolo, involved National Government Administration Officers and a specialised unit of the Administration Police.

Acting on intelligence, officers stormed several hideouts and dismantled what they described as a large-scale brewing network.

The team seized 200 litres of ready-to-sell chang'aa, 5,000 litres of molasses and 35,000 litres of kangara, an illicit brew in its preparatory stage.

More than 200 jerricans and drums were destroyed on site.

Two suspects believed to be central to the operation are being held at Sondu Miriu Police Station pending interrogation and prosecution.

NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa linked the operation to the government's 100-day Rapid Results Initiative ordered by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to curb illicit alcohol and substance abuse.

"This successful execution underscores our unwavering commitment, in full collaboration with all security agencies, to dismantle the networks that profit from poisoning our people," said Omerikwa.

"We are sending a clear message that there will be no respite in this campaign. The 100-day clock is ticking, and we are committed to delivering rapid, tangible results to safeguard the health and social fabric of our nation," he added.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing to trace the supply chain and arrest others involved in the trade.