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Police launch crackdown on operators of illegal gambling machines in Kwale

A gambling machine. The government banned the machines in 2018. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

By Mishi Gongo | 05 May 2024

Lunga Lunga OCPD Peter Nzimbi said his office will work to eliminate the machines in order to curb the rampant cases of juvenile gangs in the region.

Police in Kwale County have warned locals operating gambling machines saying they contribute to the rising number of juvenile gangs in the region.

Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice on Saturday, Lunga Lunga OCPD Peter Nzimbi said they have launched a crackdown on people operating the illegal machines.

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Nzimbi said his office will work to eliminate the machines in order to curb the rampant cases of juvenile gangs in the region.

The OCPD allege that some minors engage in crime to raise money for gambling.

Nzimbi said the unlicensed machines were operated by unscrupulous business people and were enticing children to criminal activities in order to raise money for gambling.

"In the past, we destroyed the machines but we have realised that people have gone back to operating them. They are the reason some minors engage in criminal activities. We will not allow this to happen," he said.

Increased crime rate

Recently, Kwale County has been recording a rise in crime rate.

Police named Msambweni and parts of Lunga Lunga sub-county to be the leading areas in crime.

"We do not want a case where young children drop out of school or engage in stealing because of these machines. We are going to eliminate them from our county," he said.

He called on the public to notify police officers about anybody operating the illegal business in secrecy.

At the same time, Nzimbi cautioned parents who allow minors to operate Mnazi dens.

The OCPD claimed some parents are taking advantage of the long school break to make children work in the alcohol dens.

"Let children be children...If you have decided to sell Mnazi or any liquor let it be by yourselves as adults. If we find children in liquor dens then we will arrest their parents," he said.