County enforcement officers in Mandera have confiscated 30 bottles of assorted alcoholic beverages and 20 litres of chang'aa during an operation that also led to the arrest of a woman suspected of illegally distributing alcohol.
The operation was carried out in one of Mandera town’s residential estates as part of an ongoing county government campaign targeting the illegal production, sale and consumption of illicit alcohol and narcotic substances. Officials said it forms part of a wider effort to dismantle illegal alcohol supply networks and curb substance abuse across the county.
The suspect, identified as Christine, was arrested during the raid and taken to Mandera Police Station, where she is being held pending processing ahead of her arraignment in court.
Senior County Enforcement Officer Ibrahim Robow said the operation reflects the county government’s continued commitment to enforcing laws against illicit alcohol and protecting residents from the effects of drugs and alcohol abuse.
"Our officers remain committed to enforcing the law and protecting residents from the harmful effects of illegal drugs and illicit alcohol. We will continue conducting intelligence-led operations across the county to ensure those involved in such unlawful activities are brought to justice," Robow said.
Robow added that enforcement teams have intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering to track individuals involved in the manufacture, transport, distribution and sale of illegal alcohol. He further noted that similar operations will continue across Mandera County as authorities move to eliminate unlawful brewing and dismantle related criminal networks.
According to county officials, the spread of illicit alcohol and narcotic substances has contributed to rising crime levels and other social challenges in the region. They said substance abuse—particularly among young people—remains a growing concern that requires sustained enforcement alongside public cooperation.
The county government has since stepped up operations targeting individuals suspected of producing, storing and distributing illicit alcohol. Officials maintain that removing illegal alcohol from circulation will help reduce crime and improve public safety.
Residents have also been urged to work closely with enforcement agencies by reporting suspected manufacturers, sellers and distributors of illegal alcohol and narcotic drugs. Officials said community intelligence plays a critical role in identifying illegal activity and supporting successful enforcement operations.
The latest raid comes as authorities across Kenya continue efforts to combat the illegal alcohol trade, which has previously been linked to deaths, poisoning incidents and serious health complications. Law enforcement agencies have intensified crackdowns on illegal brewers and distributors amid concerns over the continued circulation of unregulated alcoholic drinks.
Chang'aa is a traditional distilled spirit made from fermented grains such as maize, millet or sorghum.
While Kenyan law permits its production under a regulated framework with licensing and safety standards, any production or sale outside those regulations remains illegal.
Health experts warn that illegally produced chang'aa poses serious health risks, as it may contain harmful contaminants introduced during production or through unsafe ingredients.
Its high alcohol content—sometimes exceeding 40 per cent—also increases the risk of alcohol poisoning and other complications. In some cases, contaminated chang'aa has been linked to blindness, poisoning and death.
Mandera County officials said they will continue intelligence-led operations to identify and arrest those involved in the illegal alcohol trade. They emphasised that sustained enforcement, combined with cooperation from residents, is key to reducing the availability of illicit alcohol and narcotic substances and ensuring offenders are prosecuted.
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