Three middle aged men are in custody, after they pleaded guilty of engaging in unlicensed business.
The trio was charged at Kisii Law Court for engaging in illegal business of gambling and betting at Rioma Market, Kisii Central in Kisii County.
The business contravenes the Betting and Lottery Act as stipulated in the constitution.
Kevin Mumo, Julius Onchiri and Jomo Anunga pleaded guilty of the charges against them, after police caught up with them at Rioma Sub-location extorting money from locals; they were then taken to Rioma police station and later arraigned before court of law.
During litigation, the convicts begged for forgiveness from the chief magistrate, saying that they will never engage in such business since they had no idea of the licenses required.
In his judgment, Chief magistrate, J. M Njoroge ruled that the accused to be remanded in custody for engaging in unlawful gambling and betting for money, which is contrary to section65 (1) as read with section 55(2) of the Betting and Lotteris Control Act CAP 131 Law of Kenya.
The illegal gambling and betting is common among Kisii town residents, and this sends a clear warning to those who still practice the business, that they risk facing charges if found.