Written By Joyce Nzomo
A man from Munyu in Thika East Sub-county has been charged in court after he was allegedly found in possession of 20 litres of chang’aa, a traditional homemade brew banned under Kenyan law.
John Mwanzia was arrested during a crackdown by local authorities targeting the production and distribution of illicit alcohol in the area.
According to police reports, Mwanzia was caught red-handed with the brew, which is classified as illegal due to health and safety concerns.
Appearing before the Thika Law Courts, Mwanzia denied the charges. The prosecution requested the court to hold him accountable under existing laws, citing the volume of the seized substance as a serious offence.
The presiding magistrate granted Mwanzia a cash bail of KSh30,000 or an alternative bond of KSh100,000, pending the conclusion of investigations and the court hearing.
The case will be mentioned on July 25, 2025, with the full hearing scheduled to begin on October 2, 2025.
Chang’aa, despite its long-standing presence in various parts of Kenya, remains prohibited under the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act unless produced and sold under licensed conditions. Authorities say the unregulated brew poses serious risks, including alcohol poisoning and long-term health complications.
Police in Thika East have vowed to continue their crackdown on illicit brews, warning residents against engaging in illegal alcohol production and distribution.
