Five people have been arrested, and over 2,000 litres of traditional maize/millet beer, kangara, were seized during a raid against illicit brew and narcotics conducted this Monday, April 14, 2025, in Samburu County.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) confirmed the arrests following a multi-agency operation undertaken in conjunction with the police.
The exercise was led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nicholas Kigen in Mararala Town.
“The team, led by SSP Nicholas Kosgei, arrested five individuals in Rangau Village, Kirisia Division, for possession and manufacture of illegal brews including chang’aa, busaa, and kangara (A kind of sweet beer made from chaff of maize or millet). Over 2,000 litres of kangara were seized and destroyed on-site,” a statement from NACADA confirmed.
The persons of interest were taken to Maralal Police Station, pending their arraignment in court.
Fight against drugs
“All suspects were taken to Maralal Police Station and will be arraigned in court. This is part of our ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal alcohol networks and protect communities from the harms of substance abuse,” the agency’s parting statement read.
NACADA has maintained its zero tolerance to drug and substance abuse, emphasizing the operation as part of its broader strategy to eliminate the abuse of drugs and protect communities.
The raid comes against the backdrop of a worrying revelation regarding the status of drug abuse in the nation.
NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa, in a recent report, indicated that 23 per cent of young adults aged 18-24 in urban areas have engaged in drug use at social gatherings, with private venues accounting for a significant portion of these cases.
He added that the rising cases of illicit drug abuse in Nairobi have heightened concerns over the need for stricter monitoring and regulation of short-term rentals.
“Over the past year, multiple reports have emerged of young people having indulged in drugs in bed and breakfast accommodations, in some incidences leading to deadly overdose. In Nairobi, a string of such cases has raised alarms about the urgent need for firmer monitoring and regulation of short-term rental accommodations.
“A report by NACADA indicates that 23 per cent of young adults aged 18-24 in urban areas have engaged in drug use at social gatherings, with private venues such as Airbnbs accounting for a significant percentage of these cases,” NACADA stated.
Omerikwa revealed the statistic on Friday, March 14, 2025, following a high-stakes operation against drug abuse in Juja Town.
Two persons of interest found in possession of 500 rolls of suspected cannabis, 251 packed sachets, five large bales of the drug, weighing scales, and rolling papers, were arrested.