Five arrested during Nacada raid on chang’aa den in Kisii

An illicit alcohol-brewing den in Mwaguto village in Kisii South subcounty, April 3, 2025. /NACADA

A multi-agency team led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has raided an illicit alcohol-brewing den in Kisii and arrested five suspects.

The team raided Mwaguto village in Kisii South subcounty where 55,000 litres of kangara and 500 litres of chang’aa were confiscated.

The suspects, three women and two men, are set to be arraigned in court to face charges. 

Authorities dismantled sophisticated brewing equipment, dealing a huge blow to the illegal trade in the region.

The raid, which involved police and local administrators, exposed a well-established network operating on a four-acre piece of land, complete with storage facilities and brewing equipment. 

Nacada CEO Anthony Omerikwa hailed the operation as a significant victory in the fight against illicit brew, warning that those involved in the trade will face the full force of the law.

“This is a clear message to all those engaging in this illegal business-we are coming for you,” he declared. 

Omerikwa further revealed that Nacada will initiate legal proceedings to have the four-acre land where the den was situated forfeited to the government.

“This property is a crime scene, and we will ensure it is reverted to the state as part of our efforts to dismantle these networks completely,” he stated. 

Local residents celebrated the raid, with many expressing relief over the shutdown of the den blamed for fueling crime and destroying livelihoods.

Area Chief Samuel Nyabuto commended the operation, urging continued vigilance to eradicate the vice. 

The suspects are set to be arraigned in court as Nacada intensifies nationwide crackdown on illicit alcohol.

He said Thursday's raid underscores the authority’s commitment to safeguarding communities from the devastating effects of illegal brew. 

The raid came barely a day after another raid in Mwamogeza village within Kisii county.

In collaboration with a multiagency team, the authority recovered a massive consignment of suspected cannabis sativa, popular as bhang.

The raid on Wednesday in Kiamuasi Location, Daraja Mbili Sub-Location, netted seven 50 kilogramme sacks, four 90 kilogramme sacks and two large carrier bags of the illicit substance concealed in rental houses.