No More Gambling For Western Kenya

Gambling machines

The Kakamega High Court has dismissed a case filed by three Business men, challenging government’s decision to crack down on gambling machines.The decision by Justice Jesse Njagi means western Regional Commissioner Ann Ng’etich can continue with her crusade against gaming businesses in the region. The business men who file the case are Kipkemboi Keter, Wesley Kipkemboi and Wesley Maria.

They challenged the Regional Commissioner who issued a circular sent to county commissioners in Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega and Vihiga and directed that there should be no gambling and betting in the counties by June 30, 2018.

 

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“From July 1, 2018, any gambling reported shall attract very punitive disciplinary measures on those areas of jurisdiction,” read a section of the letter.

In an affidavit sworn on July 12, last year by Kipkemboi on behalf of the other two applicants, claimed that they operate gambling businesses in most parts of the country and they wanted the court to issue an order restraining the respondents from conducting the crackdown.

 

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In his ruling, Justice Jesse Njagi struck out the petition communicated through a letter dated June 22, last year.

Justice Njagi noted that the petitioners failed to present to the court documented proof to demonstrate that they would suffer losses if the directive was to be implemented.

“The conclusion is that the motion before the court is devoid of merit and is poorly conceived. I hereby dismiss the same with costs to the respondent,” ruled Justice Njagi.

 

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He said that the petitioners had not attached documents to show they were in the business and operated in the premises mentioned in their affidavits.

“They ought to place documentary proof before the court that they run these businesses. They could have done this by attaching licences of the same,” he added.

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