Fresh details emerge on how group operating along Kenyatta avenue got a business permit

Nakuru Trade Chief Officer, Bernard Sang’ has distanced himself from the group of gamblers operating in Kenyatta avenue.

In a phone interview with Mtaa Wangu, Sang' says his office only recently learnt that the business has a permit to operate from the county government.

However, he quickly adds that the business operators got their second operating permit through a court order.

“The business had been operating for three months with a permit issued by the county government, before we received public outcry on people losing money from the game. When the group engaged the department to have their permit renewed, it was denied,” explains Mr Sang’.

Following the denial, the chief officer says a person identified as Joseph Murage moved to the Nakuru Law Courts and filed an application to have the business permit renewed.

Mr. Murage moved to court on September 11, 2024 and obtained a temporary order allowing them to continue operations.

In the court ruling, issued by Nakuru Principal Magistrate Vincent Okello, the court directed the Nakuru County Betting and Control Department to renew the business license of Mr. Murage.

The court further directed the county government to allow the applicant to operate his business without interference and intimidation.

“Pending the hearing and determination of the application, Nakuru County Betting and Control Department at the Nakuru County Government is hereby directed to renew (upon payment of requisite fee) and turn over the applicant’s business license /permit to the applicants forthwith and allow the applicant the operate their business without interference, intimidation and or coercion from the respondents’ agents, servants and county officials,” ordered Mr Okello.

Mr Sang' however notes that a similar business operating near Kanu house has not been licensed and they will soon collaborate with the county security apparatus to deal with the group.

According to Nakuru County Gaming Inspector, Kenneth Andele, despite public outcry on the operation of street gambling, the business is allowed to operate since they have a permit.

Further explaining some of the required guidelines, he notes that the business should operate between 10 am to 10 pm.

“Also, touting and mobile transactions are not allowed. At the same time, individuals under 18 years are not allowed to participate.”

On his part, Nakuru East Sub- County Commander, Mohamed Wako, says despite being licensed, the tradesmen are not operating as it is expected of them.

In a phone call interview with Mr Wako, he further mentioned that the police have made a request for the county to have the business seize its operation in the city center.

Asked if any of the residents have made a formal complaint he says, “I have not received any complaints. People have been making posts on social media platforms rather than visiting the police station to make reports.”

On the other hand, Nakuru East Sub-County Criminal Investigation Officer, Samuel Ngei notes that they have only received one official complaint by an individual claiming to have been cheated and lost money through the game . 

"The individual made the report and never came back to make a follow up on the matter. We consider the activities of the business as cheating. However, we can not follow up on the matter if no complaints are made," says Mr Ngei.