This archive report was first published on 12 July 2019.
Published on July 12, 2019, a report by Milele FM revealed that the war on betting companies in Kenya may have a hidden agenda. According to the report, Fred Matiang'i, the Interior Cabinet Secretary, may have ties to BetLion, a betting company owned by Nyachae, a man from his backyard.
The report highlighted that the government has renewed licenses for eight betting firms, including BetLion, Odibets, Betpalace, Mcheza, Kwikbet, Betika, Shabiki, and Gamemania. These firms are associated with top Kenyan politicians and businessmen, while most top betting firms owned by non-locals have been denied licensing.
Notably, Mcheza is associated with former TV presenter Julie Gichuru and businessman Peter Karimi, while Odibets is owned by Jimmy Kibaki, son of former President Mwai Kibaki. Shabiki is run by Royal Media Services, owned by businessman and media mogul S.K Macharia.
Meanwhile, the government is frustrating top betting firms like SportPesa, Betin, Betway, and 1X Bet, which have been heavily involved in supporting sports in the country. The owner of the country, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and his mother, Mama Ngina Kenyatta, have been vocal about the need for youths to support the country.
However, the report raises questions about the government's motives in targeting certain betting firms while allowing others to operate. The alleged ties between Matiang'i and BetLion have sparked concerns about the fairness of the government's actions.
