Gambling machines that were impounded by police in Kisii during a past crackdown on illegal betting. [Photo/ nation.co.ke]
At least seventy eight gambling machines have been seized and eight operators arrested in Kericho and Ongata Rongai following a crackdown on illegal betting over the weekend.53 of the machines were seized from various shops in Ongata Rongai while 25 were confiscated in Kericho.Five of the vendors were arrested in Ongata Rongai while the remaining three were nabbed in Kericho.The crackdown comes following an order by the Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i aimed at curbing illegal betting as well as the sale and consumption of illicit alcohol.“We have had instances where students drop out of school due to addiction. Some of these machines are operated by foreigners who are in the country illegally. We will not accept resurgence of illegal gambling machines and illicit brews anywhere in the country. Chiefs and their assistants must take personal responsibility to eradicate these vices,” said Matiang'i on Friday.The CS also warned foreigners who run the illegal machines in villages and in informal settlements that they will be arrested, charged and deported.Interior Ministry spokesman Mwenda Njoka said the operation will be extended to other areas in the country.A gambling tax of 35 percent was recently introduced on betting firms, a move that the companies have since protested.