This archive report was first published on 1 August 2019.
Senate Summons CS Matiang'i Over Row with Betting Firms ¶
Senators have summoned Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i to appear before the Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs on Thursday, August 1, over a standoff with foreign betting company owners.
According to the committee, the government has been frustrating foreign investors without offering a clear direction, violating their constitutional rights and accumulating contempt of court.
The committee members, led by Senator Samuel Cherargei, faulted the government for failing to honour court summons barring them from deporting the investors.
They also noted that most of the betting firms had complied with tax regulations, presenting documents to confirm their tax compliance.
‘’There is accumulation of contempt of court, violation of fundamental human rights and they are not above the law to crumble anybody as they wish,’’ said committee vice chair Mithika Linturi.
Senator Cherargei said Matiang’i alongside Department of Immigration boss Alex Muteshi should appear before them to explain why they have refused to honour court orders.
‘’We want to hear the version of story from the ministry because we have to protect the interest of Kenyans, businesses and employment opportunities into our country,’’ said Cherargey.
The company’s CEO William Mugambi and director Daxon Kinyua told the committee that some senior government officials were frustrating them.
‘’It is most regrettable that the directors of the company including Domenico Giovando who was born in Kenya and has roots and long term investments in the country have denied entry into the country,’’ Mugambi said.
