Category: Society

Police have arrested five persons of interest and destroyed 1,300 litres of kangara during a raid in Soweto, Nairobi Region, as authorities intensify the crackdown on illicit alcohol production and distribution across the country.

In a statement shared on X account on Tuesday, November 3,2026, the National Police Service (NPS) said the operation also resulted in the destruction of brewing apparatus used to manufacture the illegal brew.

The five individuals have been placed in custody pending processing and arraignment in court on relevant charges.

“Action against the production, distribution and consumption of illicit alcohol will continue nationwide, as the National Police Service sustains operations aimed at protecting communities from the health and social harm associated with unregulated brews,” the NPS said.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle illegal alcohol production networks and prevent the circulation of unregulated alcoholic drinks.

The Soweto raid comes amid a series of police operations targeting illicit alcohol in different parts of the country.

In a similar incident in Kisumu County, police officers intercepted a tuk-tuk transporting 60 litres of suspected chang’aa in Nyalenda on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

According to the NPS, officers conducting a joint patrol stopped the vehicle and recovered 30 plastic bags, each containing two litres of the illicit brew, packed in two yellow nylon bags.

The driver was arrested, while the recovered alcohol and tuk-tuk were taken to Kasagam Police Station as investigations continued.

The recovery highlights the different methods authorities are targeting in their efforts to disrupt the production, transportation and distribution of illegal alcoholic drinks.

The latest arrests come as police sustain operations against unregulated brews, which can expose consumers to serious health risks when manufactured without proper quality controls.

Authorities have continued to target individuals involved in the production and distribution of illicit alcohol, with enforcement operations expected to continue in various parts of the country.

The NPS said the operations were aimed at protecting communities from the health and social harm associated with illegal alcoholic drinks.

The police service has called on members of the public to support the crackdown by reporting suspected illegal brewing activities and other suspicious operations to the nearest police station.

Kenyans can also share information through the emergency toll-free numbers 999 and 911.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) can be reached through its toll-free hotline, under the #FichuaKwaDCI initiative.

The NPS reiterated that operations targeting the production, distribution and consumption of illicit alcohol would continue nationwide as authorities seek to protect communities from associated health and social risks.

The Hindu community in Kenya will celebrate Diwali and Hindu New Year from Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8, 2026, with the government setting conditions for the use of fireworks during the three-day festivities.

The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs has reminded organisers that fireworks displays must be approved and conducted in line with the Explosives Act, Cap 115 of the Laws of Kenya.

In a public notice issued through the State Department for Mining on November 2, 2026, through MyGov, Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho said the celebrations are traditionally marked with fireworks at authorised venues. He urged the community to ensure displays are conducted “in an orderly manner so that the general public are not inconvenienced.”

Organisers planning fireworks displays must obtain permits from the State Department for Mining offices at Madini House or the respective County Mining offices.

The displays will only be allowed at approved venues, including clubs, hotels, temples, sports grounds and school compounds. Other locations may be used where they have been approved by an Inspector of Explosives.

The government has also restricted fireworks displays to between 7 pm and 11 pm on the three authorised dates.

Organisers are required to make the necessary arrangements before the celebrations to ensure their displays meet the requirements set out in the notice.

Display shells in these areas must not exceed four-inch calibre unless an exemption is granted by an Inspector of Explosives.

The government has also restricted the handling of aerial fireworks to qualified, experienced and sober individuals. This requirement applies to people firing aerial shells and other aerial display fireworks.

The measures are intended to ensure that fireworks are handled by people with the necessary experience and that displays take place at approved locations.

The State Department for Mining has also issued rules for dealers selling fireworks ahead of the celebrations.

Under the Explosives Act, dealers are prohibited from selling fireworks to children below the age of 13. Anyone who sells fireworks to a child below this age commits an offence under the law.

Aerial display fireworks, including shells, rockets, Roman candles and cakes, may only be sold to people holding valid display permits signed by an Inspector of Explosives.

The restrictions place responsibility on both event organisers and dealers to ensure fireworks are obtained and used within the law.

The government said the requirements would help maintain public safety and order during the festivities.

Joho concluded the notice by extending the ministry’s wishes to the Hindu community, saying: “We take this opportunity to wish the Hindu Community a Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New year.”