Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba has scoffed at the Vihiga county government for licencing illegal gambling joints which are being blamed for the escalating rate of crime in the area.

While addressing a public security Baraza yesterday at Essaba market in the constituency he represents, Omboko accused the county government of licencing illegal gambling joints that have become hideouts for criminals.

He claimed the county government was collecting fees from these illegal gambling joints oblivious of the dangers they posed to the residents’ security.

Crime wave

“I am worried that the Vihiga county government is licencing illegal gambling joints which are the hideouts for serious criminals. Gambling has been a major pastime for criminals,” the MP decried.

The legislator said Emuhaya has experienced a wave of crime, with the latest being the shooting to death of a boda boda operator.

He said the local residents are living in fear after unknown criminals killed a boda boda operator at night within the Essaba sub-location in the constituency.

He said the deceased was shot five times by his assailants who were trailing him using a motorbike.

The residents said the criminals who are still at large stole money and a motorbike from the victim. The incident happened just a few kilometres from Essaba police patrol base.