Police Officers from Kakamega County have nab eight men linked to illegal alcohol in a crackdown in Kakamega County.
In an official statement on the National Police Service official X account on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the officers revealed that the operation was conducted in the Shikumu area of Kakamega County.
The Operation led by Western Regional Police Commander, Mr Issa Mohamed, was further extended to Kilingili Location in Vihiga County, covering Lwanaswa, Kaluni, and Ishieywe villages.
“Today, the Western Regional Police Commander, Mr Issa Mohamed, AIG, led a multi-agency security team in a crackdown operation against illicit brews. The operation targeted Shikumu Location in Kakamega County and Kilingili Location in Vihiga County, covering Lwanaswa, Kaluni, and Ishieywe villages,” NPS said.
The police have further announced that the team was able to destroy at least 50,000 litres of Kangara and recovered at least 350 litres of Chang’aa.
On the other hand, the officers also added that the team dismantled 613 brewing apparatus.
According to the National Police Service, the eight persons of interest have been placed in custody for processing and subsequent arraignment in court.
“The team destroyed 50,000 litres of Kangara, dismantled 613 brewing apparatus, recovered 350 litres of Chang’aa, and arrested eight suspects. The suspects have been placed in custody for processing and will be arraigned in court,” NPS said.
“The exhibits have been secured and stored at a police facility. The National Police Service remains resolute in its commitment to eliminating narcotics and illicit alcohol nationwide,” NPS added.
Eldoret crackdown
The Kakamega Crackdown came just a day after Security officers in Uasin Gishu County had seized 139 bottles of illicit alcohol and arrested four suspects in a renewed crackdown on illegal brews.
In a statement on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the Kenya Police Service revealed that illegal alcohol, packaged in bottles labelled with popular brands including Best Gin and Smart Vodka, was recovered from three bars during a coordinated operation by law enforcement agencies.
“The fight against illegal brew has been bolstered by the nabbing of 139 bottles of illicit alcohol packaged in Best Gin and Smart Vodka bottles from 3 bars, arresting 4 suspects in Uasin Gishu County. The push to end illicit brews is being upscaled,” read the statement in part.
