This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
On August 19, 2019, the Kenyan government's decision to impose a 20% tax on betting winnings sparked widespread outrage among betting enthusiasts.
The tax, which affects both the stake and win placed on games, has been met with fierce resistance from punters who claim it is 'daylight robbery'.
One dejected Gor Mahia fan threatened to mobilize the 'green army' and stage a protest by defecating outside Times Tower, the headquarters of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), if the team fails to secure sponsorship for the CAF Champions League.
"The manner in which the Government is handling the betting industry in Kenya is appalling, shocking and disastrous," lamented a blogger on a popular online forum.
Some betting enthusiasts have already taken to social media to express their discontent, with one fan suggesting that they stage a naked protest outside the taxman's office.
Others have threatened to deny the taxman any revenues by joining offshore betting firms that use PayPal, an American company operating a worldwide online payments system.
"Why should I place a bet, win then KRA come to literally loot 20 per cent of both my stake and win? If KRA feels so jealous, why can't it place its own bet?" asked a sports enthusiast.
