22 arrested, 40 litres of ethanol nabbed during crackdown on illicit brew in Barnabas

More than 22 suspects were arrested over the weekend during a major crackdown on illegal alcohol in Barnabas and Pipeline areas of Nakuru County.

The operation, led by Nakuru County Police Commander Samuel Boit and involving officers drawn from various police stations across the county, resulted in the recovery of 40 litres of industrial ethanol and hydrogen peroxide noted to be used as a neutralizer for the ethanol to give to unsuspected customers, 11 illegal gambling machines, 16 boxes of unaccustomed cigarettes, and second-generation alcohol repackaged in branded bottles.

Boit says the operation was launched following numerous complaints from residents over the rising sale of illicit alcohol in the area, as well as increased cases of underage students engaging in gambling activities.

“We mounted a raid following complaints by residents, where we raided various wines and spirits, other stores as well as bars and restaurants within the vicinity. In addition to that, we were able to arrest three of the 22 suspects found with the illegal gambling machines, whom residents reported were allowing young children to participate in illegal gambling,” says Commander Boit.

Authorities noted that the crackdown also seeks to address the growing social impact of alcoholism on families, amid concerns from residents over rising cases of neglect and irresponsible behavior linked to alcohol abuse.

Boit adds that similar operations will continue in other parts of the county, warning young people against engaging in criminal activities and politically instigated violence.

“Characters dealing with these illegal activities, they either leave the activities, or we shall deal with them the best way we can. We will not relent until we get rid of drug and substance abuse, and we shall sustain investigations,” he notes.

This is not the first time in Barnabas, In September 2025 Mtaa Wangu reported another raid in the same area where police impounded two rolls of counterfeit excise stamps valued at approximately Sh2.1 million and sticker rolls suspected of having been used to label fake alcoholic beverages.

They also recovered 140 used ethanol jerry cans, estimated to be worth Sh2.5 million, which are believed to have been part of an illegal alcohol distribution network.

Further investigations at the scene led to the recovery of several fake title deeds during the operation, raising suspicions of possible involvement in land fraud or document forgery.

“The people arrested will be arraigned in court on Monday, once investigations are complete,” says Commander Boit.