Chang'aa brewers let the dogs out to scare off cops, chiefs

Chang’aa brewers from Homa Bay county have devised new tricks to avoid being arrested. The brewers, The Nairobian has learnt, now conduct their illegal business in sugarcane and maize plantations or in bushes. They also use dogs to scare away the ‘nosy’ police and chiefs.  

Here, they go about their business and later, the alcohol is transported to their homes, where they serve their thirsty customers. However, last week, the traders were shocked after police raided the hide-outs after a tip-off from residents. Assistant Chief of Kajwang’ sub-location, Enos Nyawade, who spearheaded the operation, said they acted fast after they received the tip-off.

“Most of the brewers stopped brewing the alcohol from home. They have relocated their dens to bushes and sugarcane or maize plantations located away from homesteads. But, we have finally caught up with them,” he said.

Nyawade noted that a week ago, they arrested an elderly woman, who was notorious for selling the illicit brew . 

“The woman and her accomplices have been using dogs to guard their den at Kachola village in South Kanyamwa location. The dogs are to scare away chiefs and police from accessing their dens,” he noted. 

 Nyawade said they had a hard time accessing the area since the dogs were vicious and some even attacked them.  

“We had a tough time since we had to fight the dogs first. Upon beating the dogs, we started running after the suspects to catch up with them,” Nyawade said.

He said most of them managed to escape, but they arrested the woman. “Some of the suspects ran away, but we are pursuing them. I want to tell them their days are numbered,” Nyawade said.

The suspect was taken to Kobodo Police Post before being transferred to Ndhiwa Police Station.

The chiefs confiscated 2,570 litres of illicit alcohol locally known as kangara, which had been stored in 20 plastic super drums. Nyawade said they destroyed the brew.

“It is a sad affair since it is like playing cat-and-mouse with the brewers. We destroyed the alcohol and confiscated the containers used for storage,” Nyawade said.

The administrator warned locals against selling illicit brews, urging them to venture into legal businesses.

“We will not tire in the crackdown on illicit brews. Nobody will be spared. There are many business opportunities, which our people can engage in,” he added.

Security officials led by the national government administration officials (NGAO) are keen on the fight against illicit brew in the area.