Kisumu: Police in Kisumu have intercepted 280 litres of chang’aa and arrested six suspects in a crackdown targeting illicit alcohol distribution within the lakeside city. Kisumu Central Sub-county Police Commander Edward Ndirangu said the consignment was seized following a tip-off from members of the public about a dealer supplying chang’aa in the Manyatta area.
According to Kenya News Agency, the suspect, identified as Evelyn Auma Odol, was arrested at her residence as the illicit brew was being transported for redistribution within the city. The illicit brew was being repackaged into smaller containers upon arrival in Kisumu before being distributed to various outlets. “We have the dealer and five other suspects who assisted her in redistribution. In total, they are six, and they will be arraigned in court on Monday,” Ndirangu stated.
Ndirangu added that police also impounded a Toyota Fielder registration number KDB 654W, which the officers believe was being used to ferry the illicit brew from Busia. The
vehicle is said to be linked to the main suspect. He mentioned that samples of the seized brew will be forwarded to the government chemist for verification before the suspects are formally charged in court. The rest of the consignment will be destroyed upon court orders, as part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown on illicit brews and drug trafficking, in line with directives issued by President Dr. William Ruto.
“We do not want illicit brews to destroy our young boys and girls within Kisumu. The fight is still on, and we urge members of the public to cooperate with police and local administrators by sharing information,” Ndirangu said. He further noted that security in Kisumu has been heightened after a gang riding on motorbikes attacked two watchmen at K-City business park at around 3 am on Saturday, fatally injuring one.
He said officers from Kisumu Central and Kisumu East, including the Quick Response Team (QRT), were pursuing the suspects behind the attack. “Police have intensified patrols in identified
hotspots as they seek to stem illicit trade and criminal activities in the lakeside city,” he added.
