Police arrested 19 people and seized 770 litres of suspected illicit alcohol during an intelligence-led raid in Misuuni Village, Mumbuni Location, Machakos County, the National Police Service (NPS) has said.
In a statement published on October 16, 2026, the NPS said officers from Machakos Police Station conducted the operation on August 15, 2026, targeting suspected illegal brewing at a homestead.
“During the operation, police recovered a substantial haul of illicit substances and brewing materials,” the NPS said.
The recovered alcohol comprised 60 litres of chang’aa and 710 litres of kang’ara. Officers also seized 25 kilogrammes of ammonium chloride, 10 kilogrammes of sugar and assorted brewing equipment.
The police said the 19 individuals were taken to Machakos Police Station and held pending arraignment, while the recovered alcohol and equipment were retained as exhibits.
Brewing materials recovered
The operation targeted suspected illicit alcohol production, with the recovered materials pointing to possible brewing activity at the homestead.
The NPS described the raid as a “successful intelligence-led raid” but did not disclose the intelligence that led officers to the location or detail the alleged roles of the individuals arrested.
The statement also did not identify the intended market for the recovered alcohol or indicate whether investigators were pursuing other people in connection with the suspected operation.
Police urge public to report illegal activity
The NPS reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illicit alcohol, saying: “The National Police Service reiterates its firm commitment to eradicating the menace of illicit brews.”
The service also commended public cooperation and urged residents to report suspicious or illegal activities to the nearest police station or through its toll-free emergency numbers.
“We encourage the public to report any suspicious or illegal activities,” the statement said.
Investigations key after seizure
The seizure removes 770 litres of suspected illicit brews from circulation, but the wider impact will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
Authorities will need to establish the source of the alcohol, its intended distribution channels and whether evidence links other individuals to the suspected operation.
For Machakos residents, the effectiveness of the crackdown will depend on whether investigations help disrupt illegal brewing and distribution beyond the single homestead targeted in the raid.
