Police have in a dramatic raid burned down several illicit brews dens and destroyed tons of the illicit drinks at Mawanga estate in Nakuru town.
Area Chief Mary Kamau who led a contingent of armed Administrative and regular police officers from Kagoto and Bahati police station in carrying out the exercise said it is meant to arrest perpetrators and criminals in the area.
She revealed that the Wednesday operation was as a result of a resolution reached at by the local security officials and elders during a recent baraza that had been called to discuss insecurity in the area.
Kamau added that illicit brew dealers were colluding with criminals to terrorise residents and this had to be stopped.
The chief said: “The dealers who sell the brews to unemployed youths hamper their chances of securing employment as the illicit drinks are addictive. Most of the youths indulge in crime ranging from petty thefts to armed robberies in order to satisfy their appetites for the illegal drinks.”
She added, “We have received complaints from members of the public and family members about the conducts of young men and women who frequent this filthy joints. We have decided to deal with the problem forthright.”
Kamau added that hundreds of litres of the illicit brews including chang’aa, busaa and miti ni dawa had been destroyed and others kept as exhibits to be produced in court.
Over twenty youths and several illicit brews dealers were arrested in the swoop.