Police have stepped up operations against the production of illicit alcohol and illegal gambling in Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru County, leading to the arrest of one suspect and the destruction of equipment used in the unlawful activities.

The operation was carried out by a multi-agency team drawn from the Kenya Police Service and the Administration Police Service, which conducted raids in eight homesteads at Segutiet-Ndarugu village in Sigotik Sub-Location, Nessuit Location.

During the exercise, officers recovered illicit brews and dismantled equipment believed to have been used in their production.

According to a police report, a 39-year-old woman, Vivian Chelagat, was arrested after she was allegedly found with 20 litres of kangara.

Officers also destroyed several litres of chang’aa and kangara after suspects reportedly fled when they noticed the security team approaching.

Drums, plastic containers and other brewing equipment were also destroyed during the operation.

“The crackdown forms part of a two-week Rapid Results Initiative targeting illicit activities in the area,” the police report stated.

The security team also seized several illegal lotto machines operating at Tagitech Trading Centre. The machines were taken to the Njoro Sub-County headquarters, where they will remain in custody before being destroyed in accordance with the law.

Police said the recovered alcohol samples have been secured at Nessuit Police Station and will be forwarded to the Government Chemist for examination as investigations continue.

The suspect remains in custody and is expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are completed.

Authorities have vowed to sustain the operation, saying the crackdown is aimed at protecting residents from the dangers associated with illicit alcohol and illegal gambling while restoring law and order across the area.