By Brian Gitonga
Tension gripped residents of Majengo, Imenti North constituency, Meru County, when a special police unit, led by Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma, raided a hidden illegal Chang’aa distillery operating within the settlement.
Acting on government orders to intensify the war against illicit brews and drugs, the team raided what has now been described as one of the major chang’aa production and distribution sites in the area.
The operation unveiled a well-organized illegal industry that has been secretly manufacturing and distributing chang’aa without adhering to the laws governing the production of alcohol, thereby posing a serious threat to the public.
According to the County Commissioner, Jacob Ouma, the alcohol found on site was unregulated, untested and highly dangerous for human consumption.
“In today’s operation as you can see, we have found ourselves in an illegal distillery that makes chang’aa. The alcohol is packaged in strange packs, that don’t adhere to the standards and laws that govern packaging and production of alcohol. The alcohol that is here hasn’t been tested by the relevant bodies and is thus poison and dangerous for human consumption,” said Ouma.
During the raid, officers seized approximately 20 litres of ready changa’aa.
Over 6000 litres of ‘Muna’, also known as ‘Kangara’, was also seized in the illegal distillery.
The County Commissioner expressed shock that the distillery operated in a residential area.
“Approximately 20 liters of changa’aa which had already been produced has been seized. Further, over 6000 litres of ‘Muna’ also known as ‘Kangara’ has been found here. The arrangement here is that this is an illegal distillery that is in the midst of the people’s residence here in Majengo,” explained Ouma.
The County Commissioner termed the distillery as one of the main sources of illegal alcohol production and distribution in the area.
Ouma stated the officers would demolish the distillery and would continue searching for the owner so that they could be prosecuted.
“Truly, this distillery is one of the main sources of production and distributing illegal brew in this area. The officers are going to demolish this distillery and are going to continue searching for the owner so that they can be prosecuted, “explained Ouma.
Moreover, the County Commissioner expressed concern that the suspected owner of the distillery had previously been arrested and taken to court multiple times, only to be released after paying minimal fines.
While affirming respect for the judiciary as an independent arm of government, he appealed to the courts to impose heavy penalties on repeat offenders to deter continued involvement in illicit brew production.
“I am informed that the owner of this distillery has been arrested on several occasions and presented in court where he was charged minimal fines that he paid. We have no issue with the judiciary. It is an independent arm of government that must operate without interference, and we fully respect that.
However, we are appealing to the courts: if somebody like this has been presented to the court on several occassions and still continues to endanger the lives of the people by producing illicit alcohol that can cause death, the court should impose imprisonment or punishment that is going to prevent them from going on with this work,” said Ouma.
The County Commissioner also called out local administrators, warning that failure to curb such illegal activities within their jurisdictions would not be tolerated.
Chiefs and assistant chiefs, he said, must take responsibility for what happens on the ground.
“We will not tolerate the continued production of illegal alcohol while we have chiefs, assistant chiefs, and government officers on the ground. Everyone must do their job. If, within a week, such distilleries are still operating, we will have no choice but to find new people to take over because it will mean those currently in place are unable to do their job,” said Ouma.
The County Commissioner further emphasized the need for public involvement, urging residents to report suspicious activities related to the brewing or sale of Chang’aa.
He described the public as the first line of defence in the fight against the illicit alcohol trade.
“We appeal to members of the public to share information about the hideouts of these traffickers who continue to endanger lives. This fight belongs to all of us, and we urge the public to work with us and the judiciary to help bring these offenders to justice,” said Ouma.
Ouma also raised concerns about illegal electricity connections discovered at the distillery, describing them as a serious safety hazard to residents.
He urged the relevant authorities, including the Kenya Power and investigative agencies, to visit the site and assess the situation thoroughly.
“This place is a den of different vices because even the electricity here is illegally connected, without the knowledge of Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). There is clear evidence of power theft, among other suspicious activities. I urge the relevant security and investigative agencies to visit the site and uncover the full extent of what’s happening,” said Ouma.
Ouma concluded by acknowledging the evolving nature of drug trafficking and illicit brew, stating that law enforcement must stay ahead by adapting their strategies to counter the changing tactics of criminals.
He confirmed that at least one suspect had been arrested during the operation, and efforts are underway to track down the owner of the distillery, who is currently at large.
Ouma emphasized that no one involved in endangering public safety through such illegal activities would be spared from justice.
“This is a daily battle, as those involved constantly change tactics. That’s why our security and investigative agencies must step up and stay ahead of these shifting operations. Today they operate here; tomorrow, they relocate elsewhere. So we must always be prepared. As of now, one suspect has been arrested, and the search for the owner is ongoing. I’m confident that by this evening, we’ll have all those involved in custody so that the law can take its course,” said Ouma.
