Police officers from Kisumu Central Police Station and Kisumu East’s Migosi Police Station have intercepted 280 litres of illicit chang’aa and arrested six suspects during a pre-dawn raid in Manyatta slums, Kisumu.
The operation, led by Kisumu Central Police Commander Edward Ndirangu, followed a tip-off from members of the public regarding a dealer allegedly distributing the illegal brew in the Manyatta area near the River Yala entertainment joint.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Ndirangu said police mobilised officers on Friday after receiving intelligence about the suspect’s activities.
“We received information that a dealer has been supplying chang’aa in Manyatta along River Yala. We mobilised our team immediately, conducted surveillance, and in the early hours of Saturday morning, managed to arrest the main suspect, Everline Auma Oduor, with approximately 280 litres of chang’aa ferried from Busia to Kisumu,” he said.
Police also arrested five other suspects believed to have been aiding in the distribution of the illegal brew. All six are currently in custody.
Ndirangu revealed that the chang’aa, transported from Busia, was packaged in polythene bags before being distributed to various outlets within the informal settlement.
“We found her with several accomplices who assist in the distribution. Once the chang’aa arrives, it is repackaged in polythene and distributed across the area. The fight against illicit brews and drugs, as directed by the President, remains firmly on course,” he added.
The police commander urged residents to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activities, warning that illicit alcohol and drugs are destroying the lives of young people.
“This illicit brew is ruining our youth. We do not want our young boys and girls destroyed by these substances. To those selling it, we are coming for you,” Ndirangu warned.
He called on the public to work closely with chiefs, local administrators and the police to root out illegal alcohol and drugs in Kisumu, noting that joint operations between Kisumu East and Central units have strengthened security efforts in the area.
The six suspects are expected to be arraigned in court on Monday after the seized brew is subjected to analysis by the Government Chemist.
