By Obegi Malack
@obegimalack
Government officers on Wednesday destroyed gambling machines impounded in a crackdown against illegal gaming businesses in Kiserian town.
At least 113 gambling machines were set on fire by Kajiado West Deputy County Commissioner William ole Kakimoi who led the operation.
Kakimoi said they carried out a similar exercise few months ago and destroyed 18 machines but the businessmen continue purchasing more.
“Residents should reports those installing the machines to help us completely do away with these businesses, because every time we destroy, they procure more,” he said.
He said there are no licenses issued for gambling and the business people have been operating illegally.
The exercise was done after complains emerged on social media about the gambling machines from concerned residents.
A Facebook post by Nairobi based advocate and former journalist on Monday claimed the machines had led to deaths of two youth in the last two months due to disagreements over money.
A social media user who said he was a peer counselor in Kiserian had requested the advocate to post the message to Internal Security CS Fred Matiangi and PS Karanja Kibicho.
“In my engagements with parents, caregivers and opinion leaders in Kiserian Town I have noted there is a serious disconnects in moral values and the social fabric which is in tatters,” the post read.
One of the owners of the machines who spoke on anonymity said he has been making around sh 6,000 daily from his nine machines.
He claimed government officers confiscated the machines early this year but they got them back after paying a bribe. He admitted that he has been operating without required licenses.