Police officers across Kisumu, Nyamira, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties conducted a series of successful raids over the last 24 hours, in a coordinated effort to combat the production and distribution of illicit brews.

In Kisumu Central, officers from Kondele Police Station intercepted a vehicle in the Mamba area following a public tip-off and recovered 180 litres of chang’aa stored in nine jerrycans.

The suspect was arrested and the vehicle detained, awaiting processing and arraignment in court.

Two major operations were also recorded in Nyamira County. In Masaba North, officers from Keroka Police Station raided a homestead in Atembaro Village and arrested one suspect found in possession of 40 litres of busaa.

In Nyamira North, at Bonyunyu Market, police intercepted a motorcycle carrying 60 litres of suspected chang’aa concealed in manila sacks. The rider and a pillion passenger were placed in custody, pending processing and arraignment in court.

In Elgeyo Marakwet County, Keiyo South, a joint operation between Metkei Police Station and members of the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) targeted brewers of illicit brews in Kapchorwa Sub-Location.

The crackdown resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of 125 litres of illicit brews. All four are scheduled to appear before the Iten Law Courts.

The National Police Service (NPS) said that the intelligence-led operations reflect the Service’s commitment to eradicating illicit brews from communities.

NPS also commended the members of the public for providing timely intelligence which was instrumental in the arrests and seizures.

The service reiterated that the information are geared towards combating illicit brews that pose serious health risks to consumers.