This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
Kenyan MPs Accuse CS Fred Matiang'i of Selfish Interest in Betting Firms Licensing ¶
On August 20, 2019, a heated debate erupted in Kenya's parliament as Members of Parliament (MPs) from both ODM and Jubilee parties weighed in on the standoff between betting firms and the Betting Control and Licensing Board.
Embakasi MP Babu Owino expressed his concerns, stating, “It is clear that this directive is discriminatory & illegal & cannot stand the test of judicial scrutiny. Therefore, we must ask ourselves what is the motive behind this if not the institutional extortion and blackmail of legally operating businesses.”
Kakamega Senator Cleo Malala defended the betting industry, highlighting its contributions to the country's sporting sector. He noted that the firms have created jobs and supported various tournaments, including the CLEO Malalah SUPER CUP.
Senator Malala also made a startling revelation, claiming that top government officials have vested interests in the betting industry. He alleged that CS Matiang'i has a vested interest in Bet Lion, a company with an operating license, with his close relative serving as a director.
MPs have taken to social media to express their opinions on the matter, with some questioning the government's motives and others defending the betting industry. Dr. Fred Matiang'i, the Interior Ministry CS, responded to the allegations, stating, “Kenya is not a nation which relies on probability. Let the Mps create real Job opportunities for youths and stop politicking closure of illegal betting firms. BETTING IS NOT A JOB OPPORTUNITIES: mps must stop misleading Kenyans.”
