Police raid artificial island in Lake Victoria, seize 23,000 litres of chang’aa  

A chang'aa brewing den

A chang'aa brewing den on an artificial island in Lake Victoria on December 11, 2021. 

Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group

Police in Rachuonyo North in Homa Bay County have uncovered a chang’aa brewing syndicate in Lake Victoria.

The brewers use the floating hyacinth to cover up their activities in the lake near Kendu Bay pier.

Acting on a tip-off, the officers raided the artificial island and impounded 20,000 litres of Kangara and 300 litres of chang’aa. While fishermen cry out to the government to eliminate aquatic weeds from the lake, the criminals now use the weed to cover their illicit trade.

They pile up the weeds together to make an artificial island from where they brew chang’aa.

Kendu Beach Management Unit Chairman Ibrahim Kasera told Nation.Africa that a similar island was recently destroyed in Lake Victoria by security officers.

"The lake is infested with water hyacinth and hippo grass. While fishermen keep away from the weed to avoid getting stuck, the criminals use the weed to conceal chang’aa brewing business," said Mr Kasera.

The ‘island’ is located about 300 metres from the shores of Lake Victoria.  Mr Kasera said criminals spread polythene on the weeds to create a working surface.

“Dry soil is then transported using boats and spread on the polythene to create a firm surface," Mr Kasera said.

From the lake shore, the artificial island looks like an ordinary bush. One can hardly imagine that any activity is ongoing in the 2500 square metres island.

The raid was carried out by a multi agency team of Kenya Coast Guard Services (KCGS) and the police.  

Homa Bay County Police Commander Esther Seroney said the brewers escaped.

She said investigations into the incident are ongoing.  

The incident comes just days after KCGS acquired new water vessels to be used in security operations in the lake.