NACADA impounds over 77,000 litres of illicit alcohol in Kakamega
Western
By
Benard Lusigi
| Aug 09, 2025
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has seized 77,000 litres of illegal brew in Ikolomani, Kakamega County.
In a nationwide crackdown, NACADA, in collaboration with police officers, impounded 7,000 litres of the illicit brew and destroyed 70,000 litres of Kangara.
The crackdown was carried out in Malinya, Sigalala, and Musingu villages, notorious for brewing illicit alcohol despite previous enforcement efforts.
The operation resulted in the arrest of one of the main suppliers of the illicit brew, alongside two other suspects supplying to Nairobi County.
Speaking to the press at Western Regional Police Headquarters in Kakamega town after the crackdown, Nicholas Koskei, the Head of Enforcement at NACADA, said the crackdown is part of the nationwide crackdown against illicit brew manufacturing, stating the area has high cases of illicit brew manufacturing.
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"The operation was launched after weeks of surveillance and community tip-offs. This is not just a raid – it's a surgical strike against the heart of illicit alcohol production in this region," said Koskei.
Koskei said three suspects were apprehended and are currently being held at Kakamega Police Station, where they face multiple charges related to the production and distribution of illicit alcohol.
"We have three suspects, and one of the suspects is the main supplier of the illegal product to Nairobi County and also for local consumption. We will continue with the crackdown so that we can have a healthy production because most of the end products are not safe for consumption and for the health of our people. "We must improve and adhere to standards," said Koskei.
During the crackdown, the officers uncovered an extensive network of brewing sites, complete with industrial-scale equipment, among them being 12 large metallic drums, over 500 kg of sugar intended for fermentation, and various other brewing paraphernalia, which were destroyed.
"These weren't small-time operations. We're talking about professional setups capable of producing thousands of litres weekly, with distribution networks reaching multiple counties."
NACADA CEO Dr Anthony Omerikwa emphasised the wider implications of the crackdown, stating that the agency is committed to ending the menace and ensuring a healthy nation.
"Today's operation represents our renewed commitment under the Jukwaa la Usalama initiative. As directed by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, we are intensifying nationwide efforts to eradicate this menace that continues to destroy families and communities," said Omerikiwa.
Mr Omerikiwa revealed the statistics on the age of consumption of alcohol are alarming, and urgent intervention and measures need to be taken to save the young and future generations.
NACADA officials confirm that similar operations are planned for other hotspots across the country in the coming weeks, with particular focus on establishments near schools and residential areas.