The crackdown on illicit liquor dens in Kericho East Sub-County netted at least 6,300 litres of local brew in various villages with street value of at least Sh315,000.
In an operation led by the Kericho East Sub-County Police Commander Abdi Malicha at Minyiny village, the enforcement officers managed to unearth and destroy 3,500 litres of changaa liquor hidden underground in the homesteads of the brewers.
A similar operation was also conducted in Kenegut, Chepkonek and Telanet villages where 2,800 litres of the illicit brew including busaa and changaa were destroyed and seven suspects arrested in connection with the brewing.
Speaking to the media after the crackdown, Malicha said the liquor was unfit for human consumption and urged the brewers to find other means of earning a living while calling on consumers to mind their health by choosing safe drinks.
“We are also sending a word of warning to persons engaging in this destructive business that police officers will not relent in cracking down on them and destroying the harmful drinks,” added Malicha.
He said once the police officers are done with investigations, the seven suspects would be charged in a court of law and called on members of the public to continue confiding in police and giving relevant information on the offenders in order to eradicate the vice within villages in Kericho.
Earlier this week, police in Bureti Sub-County impounded 745 litres of illicit brew as the war on the illegal drink intensifies in Kericho County.
By Kibe Mburu and Brenda Cherono