Machakos Sub-county Security and Intelligence team together with the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), yesterday, burned 47 slot gambling machines after raiding gambling dens in Machakos town, in a bid to reduce crime and contraband usage.
The Deputy County Commissioner, David Rotich, spoke outside his office in Machakos town, where the burning took place, saying the security team has been rounding up the machines as from January to last week and that security personnel will sustain the momentum to flush out illegal gambling.
“We are here to destroy 47 gambling machines which were confiscated by our officers from January to last week. We are doing this because these machines have adverse effects on our youth,” said Rotich.
Rotich said the youth have been reported to be stealing money from their parents so as to pay for the game, while other truant learners sneak out of school to visit the gambling dens and get involved in crime.
“From our investigations we have found out the dens are hideout for criminals who have their target and the back of the machines are used to hide contraband goods,” added Rotich.
Rotich said the Administration has directed the security teams to move with speed and confiscate any gambling machines for necessary action.
He also appealed to members of the public to share and assist with information, so that their teams can do precise operations which will help curb crime that is going on in the gambling dens.
Rotich further warned Machakos residents that the officers are doing their normal raid and patrols, and are on the lookout to see any mushrooming premises that may be housing the machines and any other games that are not licensed.
Two years ago Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS), Fred Matiangi, while speaking to County Commissioners in Nyeri, said that the Government will not relent on the crackdown on gambling machines in the Country.
The CS added that the machines have destroyed the lives of children and parents as families get robbed by the children who need money for gambling.
He also said that the Administration will not tolerate the resurgence of gambling machines and illicit brew anywhere in the Country and will hold Chiefs and Assistant chiefs responsible for the eradication of the vices.
