Police have seized more than 2,000 litres of illicit alcohol in Soweto, Kahawa West, Nairobi, as security agencies intensify their crackdown on illegal brewing and distribution networks.
The latest operation, conducted on Thursday, November 12, 2026, resulted in the recovery of 2,060 litres of suspected illegal alcoholic drinks, including Kangara and Chang’aa. Officers also dismantled several pieces of brewing equipment believed to have been used in the production of the substances.
The seizure comes amid a series of similar operations targeting illegal alcohol businesses in the area over the past several weeks.
Highlights
- Police recovered 2,060 litres of illicit alcohol in Soweto, Kahawa West.
- The seizure included 2,000 litres of Kangara and 60 litres of Chang’aa.
- Officers dismantled several suspected illegal brewing machines and equipment.
- More than 7,000 litres of illicit alcohol were destroyed in a separate November 5 operation.
- NPS has urged residents to report suspected illegal brewing and drug distribution activities.
Main Story
Police Seize 2,060 Litres of Illicit Alcohol in Soweto
Police officers in Nairobi have intensified operations against illegal alcohol production following the seizure of 2,060 litres of illicit brews in Soweto, Kahawa West.
The operation was conducted on Thursday, November 12, by officers attached to Kahawa West Police Station in Kasarani Sub-County.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), officers recovered approximately 2,000 litres of Kangara and another 60 litres of Chang’aa during the exercise.
The security team also dismantled several brewing apparatus and pieces of equipment suspected to have been used to manufacture the illegal alcoholic drinks.
Authorities said the operation forms part of wider efforts to disrupt the production, distribution and consumption of illicit alcohol and narcotic substances.
The National Police Service reiterated its commitment to protecting communities from harmful substances while maintaining public safety and law and order.
Repeated Raids Put Soweto Brewing Dens Under Pressure
The latest seizure is part of a growing series of enforcement operations targeting suspected illegal alcohol production sites across Soweto.
On November 5, 2026, police conducted another major raid in the area, during which more than 7,000 litres of illicit alcohol and related substances were recovered and destroyed.
The operation involved the destruction of:
- 4,000 litres of Kangara.
- 2,800 litres of molasses.
- 160 litres of Chang’aa.
- 80 litres of Muratina.
Officers also dismantled distillation machines and other equipment suspected to have been used in the illegal brewing business.
Just two days earlier, on November 3, five people were arrested during a separate operation in Soweto after officers recovered approximately 1,300 litres of Kangara.
More Operations Target Illegal Alcohol Production
The crackdown has also involved other operations conducted in the wider Kahawa West area.
On October 28, police destroyed more than 1,000 litres of Kangara and dismantled brewing equipment during another raid in Soweto.
Authorities also conducted a separate multi-agency operation in Swere targeting suspected Chang’aa production.
In another significant exercise on October 21, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) oversaw the destruction of 29,240 litres of Kangara and 140 litres of Chang’aa in Kahawa West.
One person of interest was arrested during that operation.
The repeated seizures point to sustained efforts by security agencies to disrupt illegal alcohol production networks operating within Nairobi’s residential areas.
Police Appeal to Residents for Information
Following the latest operation, the National Police Service called on members of the public to assist authorities by reporting suspected illegal brewing dens and drug distribution activities.
Police said cooperation from residents would help officers identify individuals involved in the production and sale of harmful substances.
The service also indicated that similar enforcement operations would continue in different parts of the country.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the public health and security risks associated with illicit alcohol, which can expose consumers to dangerous substances and unsafe production practices.
As authorities step up the fight against illegal alcohol production, the repeated raids in Kahawa West raise an important question: will sustained enforcement finally dismantle the networks supplying illicit brews to Nairobi communities?
