Authorities Destroy Illegal Chinese Gambling Machines in Nyando Crackdown

Several illegal Chinese coin-slot gambling machines confiscated from Ahero and Awasi towns were on Monday destroyed at the Nyando Deputy County Commissioner’s grounds as authorities intensified efforts to curb illegal gambling in the sub-county.

The destruction followed a multi-agency crackdown carried out in December last year, targeting unlicensed gambling operations that had sprung up in various trading centres. The operation involved security agencies and government regulators working jointly to enforce compliance with the law.

Nyando Deputy County Commissioner Elijah Maranga said investigations revealed that the confiscated machines were operating illegally without registration or approval from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).

“We realized that the machines were not registered by the Betting Control and Licensing Board during the crackdowns by a multi-agency security team conducted in December last year,” Maranga said.

He noted that the exercise was part of a broader government strategy to combat crime, safeguard young people from gambling addiction, and enhance security within Nyando Sub-county.

According to local administrators, the illegal machines had become a growing concern, with reports linking them to increased truancy among school-going youth, financial exploitation, and petty crime in the affected towns.

Officials warned business owners against engaging in illegal gambling activities, stressing that enforcement operations will continue and that anyone found flouting the law will face arrest and prosecution.

The government further urged members of the public to report illegal gambling dens within their neighborhoods, saying community cooperation is key to protecting vulnerable groups and maintaining public order.