Security officers in Igembe North have arrested a suspect and confiscated several litres of illicit brews during an early morning raid in the area.
The Saturday morning security operation led by Igembe North Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Martin Muhia, alongside chiefs, sub-chiefs and NGAP police officers, dealt a major blow to illicit brewing in KK Etama village, Nkanda sub-location, Antuambui location.
The intelligence-led raid targeted notorious brewing dens, leading to the arrest of one suspect while another remains at large.
At the home of Purity Kathure, officers recovered 705 litres of chang’aa and 680 litres of muna.
The team also seized three distillation tools, three kettles and 15 containers of muna, bringing the total haul to over 1,040 litres, alongside 25 litres of chang’aa.
A second raid at a miraa plantation within the same village, at the residence of Mrs Kang’entu, yielded an additional 300 litres of muna and 25 litres of chang’aa.
Authorities identified the two homes as key centres of illicit brewing in the area.
Residents welcomed the crackdown, saying illicit brews and drugs, including bangi, have long destabilized the community.
They urged the government to sustain the operations and warned those engaging in the illegal trade to desist.
The locals also decried rising insecurity following the burning down of a police camp in the area, calling on the area Member of Parliament to facilitate its reconstruction through NG-CDF to boost security.
Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma, who joined the officers at Laare Police Station as exhibits were handed over and the suspect prepared for arraignment, commended DCC Muhia for the successful operation and pledged additional support, including more vehicles, to enhance the crackdown.
“The fight against illicit brews has just begun. Those benefiting from this trade are warned. We urge the public to continue sharing information,” said Ouma.
Community leaders expressed hope that the renewed efforts will restore order.
KK Etama Market chairman Joel Itaru said the area had become hostile to whistleblowers, with brewers threatening those who raised alarm.
“We have not seen such an operation before. If sustained, this community will be crime-free. Illicit brew has been a thorn in our flesh,” he said, urging the rebuilding of the police camp.
Area manager Grace Kabithi Kimathi noted that chang’aa has ruined many lives, while youth leader Kelvin Muthuri said drug abuse has left many young people without direction.
“Youths have been lost in drugs and their future is growing dim. The government must continue this fight,” he said.
Antuambui Acting Chief Rumano Muchiri reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to eradicating illicit brewing and drug abuse, calling on residents to cooperate with authorities.
Officials expressed confidence that the suspect in custody will face the full force of the law, serving as a deterrent to others involved in the illegal trade.
