Police in Nairobi have dismantled an illicit alcohol brewing network in Soweto, Kahawa West, following an intelligence-led operation that resulted in the seizure of thousands of litres of suspected illegal brews.
Taking to its X account on Friday, NPS said that officers from Kahawa West Police Station conducted the operation on Thursday, August 20, 2026, targeting an illegal brewing and distillation operation in Soweto, Kasarani Sub-county.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), officers seized 2,000 litres of Kangara and 50 litres of Chang'aa during the operation.
The officers also destroyed several sets of brewing and distillation equipment found at the premises, disrupting the production of the illicit alcohol.
The NPS said the operation was part of continued efforts to identify and dismantle illegal brewing dens, which pose health and security risks to members of the public.
“The National Police Service is committed to eradicating illegal brewing dens, which continue to pose severe health and security risks to members of the public,” the Service said.
The operation was carried out after police gathered intelligence on the activities in the area. Officers subsequently moved in to disrupt the network and confiscate the alcohol and equipment used in its production.
The seizure highlights the continued challenge posed by the manufacture and distribution of unregulated alcoholic drinks in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
Illegal alcohol production has remained a concern for law enforcement agencies because of the potential health risks associated with consumption of improperly manufactured drinks. Authorities have also linked illicit brewing activities to wider security and criminal concerns in some communities.
The police operation targeted both the finished products and the equipment used to manufacture them, effectively disrupting the brewing process at the premises.
The NPS reiterated its opposition to the illegal manufacture, distribution and consumption of illicit alcohol and narcotics, saying it would continue taking action against networks involved in such activities.
“The Service reiterates its strict stance against the illegal manufacturing, trafficking and consumption of illicit brews and narcotics,” it said.
The police service also appealed to residents to support efforts to identify illegal brewing operations by sharing information with law enforcement agencies.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report suspected criminal activities through the national emergency toll-free numbers 999 and 911.
The NPS also directed residents with information on criminal activities to use the Directorate of Criminal Investigations' FichuaKwaDCI reporting initiative.
Information can be shared through the toll-free number 0800 722 203 or the DCI WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.
“The Service reiterates its strict stance against the illegal manufacturing, trafficking and consumption of illicit brews and narcotics, and encourages members of the public to continue reporting illegal activities via the toll-free emergency lines 999 and 911, or through #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203, or by WhatsApp on 0709 570 000,” the NPS said.
The Kahawa West operation forms part of wider police efforts to disrupt illicit alcohol networks across the country.
By destroying the brewing and distillation equipment, officers also sought to prevent the premises from immediately resuming production.
The NPS said cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities remains important in identifying illegal activities and protecting public health and security.