Authorities Seize and Destroy Illegal Gambling Machines in Nyando Security Operation

More than ten illegal Chinese-made coin-slot gambling machines were seized and destroyed on Friday at the Nyando Deputy County Commissioner’s offices, as authorities stepped up efforts to eliminate unlawful gambling activities in the area.

Nyando Deputy County Commissioner Elijah Maranga said the machines were recovered during coordinated security operations carried out in Ahero and Awasi towns. He stressed that the operation of coin-slot gambling machines is prohibited under Kenyan law and remains illegal throughout the country.

Maranga explained that the confiscated machines were not registered with the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), making their operation unlawful. He warned that such machines pose a significant danger to the community, contributing to rising crime levels, drug abuse and general insecurity.

“Criminals hide in these places where the machines operate to plan their criminal activities,” the deputy county commissioner said.

He added that gambling has had a destructive impact on families and has contributed to a growing number of young people becoming involved in criminal behaviour.

“We have decided to intensify the crackdown on these machines until we completely get rid of them from the sub-county so that we create a safe environment for the business people to conduct their businesses without any threat from the criminals,” he said.

Maranga also voiced concern over the increasing number of school-going children who are becoming addicted to gambling. According to him, some children have resorted to stealing from their parents in order to finance their gambling habits.

He assured residents that the government would continue and strengthen operations targeting illegal gambling, illicit alcohol and drug abuse in Ahero and Awasi, with the aim of dismantling juvenile gangs and enhancing security across the sub-county.

The destruction of the machines was carried out in the presence of senior security officials, including Nyando Sub-county Police Commander Isaiah Mose and Criminal Investigation Officer Chege Muniu, underscoring the government’s commitment to enforcing the law.

By fLEXI tEAM