Murang’a security steps up enforcement against illegal betting, counterfeit alcohol

A security officer torches the 48 gambling machines confiscated from businesses in Kandara and Murang'a South areas on January 28, 2026./ALICE WAITHERA

Security officers in Kandara and Murang’a South in Murang’a county have warned traders against engaging in illegal gambling businesses, which they say encourage crime.

Murang’a South deputy county commissioner Bernard Odino issued the warning during the destruction of 48 gambling machines confiscated from businesses in the two areas. The machines were destroyed in Kenol town on Wednesday.

The exercise was conducted as part of the 100-day Rapid Results Initiative aimed at improving coordination in law enforcement, with a strong focus on tackling alcohol and drug abuse.

“Since then, we have been targeting gambling machines, illicit liquor and drugs,” Odino said.

He said parents have complained about children falling into gambling and running to gambling centres when sent to shops.

He added that many young adults have been losing their earnings to gambling, a situation that encourages criminal activity.

Odino said the security committee would continue weeding out such illicit businesses, noting that they disrupt the normal functioning of the community.

Since the raids, he said many affected traders have been making frantic calls seeking the release of their machines.

He said in the past, confiscated machines often found their way back to their owners, but said this was no longer the case.

“We are very firm that we will not allow these machines to operate here. We will continue raiding and destroying them until this business is stopped completely,” he said.

He appealed to traders still operating gambling machines to surrender them to security officers, warning that it was only a matter of time before their premises were raided.

Odino further warned that bar outlets that fail to observe stipulated operating hours would face the law.

Two weeks ago, Odino led his security committee in raiding a home in the Kagaa area near Kenol town, where counterfeit alcohol worth more than Sh1 million was seized. Officers also recovered rolls of Kenya Bureau of Standards stamps and ethanol.

The suspect, said to be a tenant at the residential home, is still at large.

Odino also announced plans to hold security meetings in the area following complaints about increased break-ins and car vandalism.

“There seems to be a challenge with community policing in the Kagaa area. We will hold barazas with residents so they can help us bring this problem to an end,” he said.