The war on illicit alcohol in the Rift Valley has intensified. In a dawn raid that caught brewers napping, police in Nandi South have destroyed over 3,010 litres of Kangara (fermented brew) and dismantled a sophisticated brewing network concealed in the forests.

The operation, led by the local Sub-County Police Commander, targeted the notorious dens of Kipsigak, Baibai, and Chepsis. Officers found brewing apparatus hidden in riverbanks and thickets, utilizing the natural cover to produce the lethal drink that has ravaged the local youth.

The "Drive-Through" Dens

The crackdown comes after intelligence revealed a new tactic: "Drive-Through" chang'aa dens. Brewers have been converting private homes into distribution centers, selling alcohol through perimeter fences to avoid detection. This evolution in the trade shows the resilience of the cartels.

• The Impact: "We are losing a generation," lamented a local chief. The cheap, potent brew is blamed for rising cases of domestic violence and school dropouts in the region.
• The Chase: While the equipment was destroyed, the brewers managed to flee. Police have launched a manhunt, using community policing tips to track the ringleaders.
• Public Health: Authorities warned that the brew is often laced with methanol and other chemicals to quicken fermentation, making it a literal poison.

Relentless Pressure

The National Police Service has vowed to continue the raids until Nandi is "dry." But as long as poverty and demand persist, the brewing pots in the forest are likely to bubble again. It is a game of whack-a-mole with deadly consequences.