The murder of a senior police officer in Laikipia County on Thursday evening has revealed how dangerous illicit brewing dens have become, as well as how far criminals in the trade are willing to go to protect their livelihood.
The illegal brewing industry is run by a large shadowy network that is so well-organized that it functions like a government. Its elaborate structures spread across the country that make the trade difficult to dismantle.
Chang’aa dealers are present in several parts of Kenya, with many willing to kill to protect their territory.
Chang’aa is an illicit brew popular in low-income urban settlements and villages.
When the gangs aren’t pooling resources to get security officers who are supposed to be cracking down on them replaced, they’re busy manning small-time brewers of liquor or ferrying it to far-flung destinations.
The stabbing of Rumuruti Police Station Deputy Officer Commanding Police Station Prosper Wandera is just one of many incidents in which dangerous gangs have attacked national government officials.
