Forty betting machines were burnt in Matisi area, Webuye West, in an exercise led by Bungoma County Commissioner James Kianda and other national government officials. It was cited the betting machines have contributed to students’ mischief, as they run away from school and even steal money from parents to be sued in gambling.
Addressing the press and the officials, among them chiefs and their assistants, Kianda commended the chiefs for the good work, especially in fighting the illicit liquor menace. He gave another directive however, insisting that by 30th June there should be no gambling machines in their respective administrative areas, “Our task is to support the community and make sure children learn the right lessons in life. We will fight anything that threatens this and lead children to acts of crime,” he said.
The Bungoma County Commissioner said many people who own the machines have come out claiming they have the required licenses, but they only have permission from the County government, which paves way for them to use and operate in a desired premises, but they lack the all important certification from the Betting Control and Licensing Board.
On the issue of counterfeit sugar that was nabbed in Webuye, he said security teams are doing investigations to know the further details and once the probe is done, they’ll make public their revelations. He urged people to be patient as they handle the situation.