The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Tuesday sought to reassure Kenyans that it will rigorously enforce the government’s directive suspending all gambling advertisements and influencer marketing for 30 days.
The DCI said the move aims to curb the rising tide of betting activities that have increasingly targeted vulnerable populations, particularly the youth.
In alignment with the directive, the DCI emphasised its commitment to fostering a responsible gaming environment in a bid to protect its citizens from exploitation, warning that stern measures would be taken against illegal operators violating gaming regulations.
“DCI reiterates its commitment to fostering a responsible gaming environment that protects our citizens from exploitation. To this end, we are taking decisive measures to support the Betting Control and Licensing Board in strengthening its oversight role and ensuring that all gaming operators comply with stringent gaming regulations,” stated the DCI in a letter signed by Director of Liaison and Corporate Communications, John Marete.
“We will take stern action against operators who violate these regulations, including those involved in illegal betting syndicates or those operating unauthorised online and physical platforms to evade regulatory scrutiny.”
“We will rigorously enforce the government’s recent directive to suspend all gambling advertisements. We also urge social media influencers and bloggers to abstain from promoting betting through sponsored posts and endorsements.”
The multi-agency body also called upon social media influencers and bloggers to abstain from promoting betting through sponsored posts and endorsements, which is currently on the rise online.
While calling upon the Association of Gaming Operators – Kenya (AGOK) to intensify consumer protection initiatives by championing awareness campaigns about the risks associated with irresponsible gambling, DCI also urged gaming companies to adopt a culture of responsible betting.
This comes after the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) on Tuesday announced the suspension, citing concerns over the rampant airing of gambling adverts during the watershed period (5am to 10pm), which exposes minors to gambling-related content.
The BCLB noted that some promoters are mischaracterising gambling as a legitimate investment opportunity and a shortcut to wealth creation, leading to devastating socioeconomic consequences.
[29/04, 22:23] Cyrus Ombati Star: Three people killed after shooting in Sweden
Three people have been killed in a shooting in the Swedish city of Uppsala, police have confirmed.
The shooting took place at a hair salon close to Vaksala Square in the centre of the city, local media reported. The shooter, who fled on a scooter, is still on the run, according to the reports.
Officers have cordoned off a large area and a murder investigation is under way.
The incident happened on the eve of the Walpurgis spring festival, which brings large crowds onto the streets of Uppsala, a city located north of the capital Stockholm, and known for its university.
“Everything happened so fast. It just went bang, bang, bang,” a witness told Swedish channel TV4.
Another man said he was cooking at home when he heard “two bangs that sounded a bit like fireworks” going off outside on the street.
He told Swedish television he was “very surprised and scared” and shortly after “swarms of police and ambulances” started blocking off the street and telling people to move back.
A major effort is under way to find the shooter, with a police helicopter joining in the search, police spokesman Magnus Jansson Klarin told TV4.
Train services had been stopped in the area to stop the perpetrator using them to get away, Mr Klarin said, but they have now resumed.
Meanwhile Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer told TV4 that a “brutal act of violence” had happened.
The identity of the victims and the shooter are still unclear. But there has been increasing concern over the number of shootings and gang attacks in recent years in Sweden, and the government has said it wants to tighten the country’s gun laws.
In February, 10 people were killed in a shooting at an adult education centre in the Swedish town of Orebro.
By BBC News
