Police raided two gambling dens in Kiganjo estate, Thika, and arrested their operators and several other people on Wednesday.
They said they confiscated about 10 machines owned by people from other counties.
The operation led by Thika Town MP Patrick Wainaina followed a tip-off by members of the public.
Minors were found at some of the dens and Wainaina said gambling has fuelled petty theft, drug-related problems and suicides. He cited the case of a nine-year-old boy in Kilifi county, who committed suicide last week.
“We will not allow people from other places to come and destroy the lives of our young people. None of these operators hail from Thika. It is unfortunate that children and women are addicted…this is unacceptable,” he told journalists.
The MP pledged to wipe out all illegal gambling businesses as “there is no way people can build a stable economy through unscrupulous activities.”
Wainaina said he will also fight the sale of illegal wines and spirits and drug trafficking so youths don’t get trapped.
