Led by county commissioner Henry Wafula the move will go a long way in ensuring sanity since it has turned out to be a source of troubles in families resulted by gambling.
“The war has just started operation will continue to make sure will ensure all the gambling machines are intercepted and destroyed in Baringo North, South, Central, Mogotio, Tiaty and Eldama-Ravine sub-counties” Wafula said.
He said measures have been put to ensure such unlawful activities do not recur as security officers are on the lookout.
“Be assured any persons found trading with the gambling machines will be arrested and stern action will be taken against them” He said, adding that gambling has risen to worrying levels in the county.
“It is surprising that even school going children engage in it thus jeopardizing efforts for bringing up a worthy generation” He said.
Present also were Kabarnet principal magistrate Samson Temu, County Police Commander Smallets Munyanzi and Baringo Central OCPD Phillip Wambugu and Deputy Sub-county Commissioner Reuben Ratemo.
This follows the government directive to deal with unregulated gambling activities in the country that had reached high and almost uncontrollable levels that had ruined lots of lives.
County Commissioner further warned against locals engaging in local and illicit brews business saying it has contributed to drunkenness and idleness among the youths.
His statement comes barely a month after police in Baringo Central intercepted and poured down some 2,500 litres of illicit brews in crackdown in February.
Kabarnet OCS Gabriel Mulei said the list comprises of some brews locally known as ‘busaa’ and ‘Changaa’
Last year the former County Commissioner Peter Okwanyo sacked five chiefs for failing to curb illicit brew menace in their locations in Marigat, Mogotio, Eldama-Ravine and Tiaty Sub-counties.
Okwanyo warned 11 others for taking illicit brews and protecting local brewers saying they risk losing their jobs if they don’t change their behavois.
However, the new county commissioner Henry Wafula said he will extend the fight against alcoholism.
“If Okwanyo sacked the chiefs for condoning alcoholism, then I am not any better” Wafula said adding that he will sack all the chiefs found drunk and aiding alcoholism to allow opportunity to hire the jobless youth. Ends
Caption
Some 18 gambling machines set ablaze in Kabarnet town, Baringo County on Friday.
By Joseph Kangogo