This archive report was first published on 10 January 2020.
On January 10, 2020, authorities in central Kenya launched a crackdown on outlawed substances in Kiambu County, seizing and destroying items worth over 8 million shillings.
Regional Commissioner Wilfred Nyagwanga led the operation, which saw the destruction of 110 illegal gambling machines, over 100 rolls of bhang, 110 litres of Chang’aa, 45 litres of Muratina, 300 litres of Kangara, 2 cartons of second-generation liquor, 40 litres of Molasses, and a boiler's cooler.
Speaking at Starehe grounds in Thika, Nyagwanga revealed that many suspects connected with the operations and sale of the outlawed substances have been arrested, while others who have gone into hiding are being sought.
The operation was conducted following a directive issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, and it is part of a renewed fight against the gambling craze that has ensnared children, youths, and even women.
According to Nyagwanga, the machines have largely contributed to immorality and are worse than the spread of HIV/AIDS, as they interfere with the economic activities of the gamblers, affecting a whole community.
