The Mountain Journal
Murang’a County Assembly has expressed concern over the return of the gambling machines in the villages fueling conflict at the households as the youth steal valuables.
In a motion by Kiru MCA Morris Thuku, the county assembly compelled the Trade and Industrilisation CEC Kimani Mugo to order the arrest of individuals operating illegal gambling and betting premises.
Thuku also tearfully narrated how petty crime was thriving in villages in his Kiru ward with the youth stealing farm produce and household goods, to raise coins to participate in gambling.
“ Kiri ini market has suffered the most, as in two weeks more than 12 shops have been broken into and thugs are only interested in coins.
In the breakings, some of the marked coins have been traced in some of the gambling premises,” said Thuku.
He added that a survey established that there is an average of 50 gambling premises in each of the 35 wards in Murang’a county.
Kahumbu MCA Chefman Njoroge said unless tough actions are taken Murang’a county will lose a generation, as majority of the youth are glued in the gambling premises.
He said there was an outcry in the villages following theft of poultry and livestock with the youth being implicated as they looked for money to participate in the gambling taking palace in the back streets.
“ Right now there are elders who are following the trend ending up in the backstreets for gambling,” said Chefman, calling for tough action to deter the vice.
Kariara MCA Jeremiah Gichobe told the assembly there is need for strict regulations to control the vice, through the input of the national assembly.
“ This function is controlled by the national government thus involvement of the parliament is highly needed,” said Gichobe.
Kinyona MCA Ms Liz Mbugua said it was worth noting that youth are plunging into the gambling due to lack of employment opportunities and thus need to be guided.
“ We need to establish profitable indoor games that will help them in socialisation,” said Mbugua.
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