Published: 28.08.2019, 17:13
2 min read
The beleaguered Kenyan gambling operators have their problems with the taxman, but a new scare is emerging. This time the threat is coming from the highest office in the country and its chief occupant. President Uhuru Kenyatta gave gestures that he wouldn’t hesitate to sign laws that would see the end on gambling products in Kenya.
The president was speaking to a church gathering on Saturday, where he decried how “gambling is terrible” in Kenya. However, he was quick to point out his incapability to “change the trend” without the support of lawmakers. The Kenyan system features two law houses, namely- the National Assembly and the Senate that are mandated to make and amend laws.
President Uhuru Kenyatta called on the two legislators who were among the gathering to “go back to the constitution and change the law.” He expressed his readiness to approve such legislation if presented to him.
The president’s utterances could create a crisis between the Executive and Legislative arm of the government. Kenyatta’s statement comes just a week after various lawmakers called the press to warn the government against the aggression against betting operators.
The president was been very categorical that the government would press on with the process of collecting the debt from gambling firms. He caused laughter after using a biblical reference to explain his government position on gambling firms.
Sports Betting Industry Crisis in Kenya
Kenyatta didn’t spare even betting giant, Sportpesa in his speech. The betting operator had canceled all its sponsorship to cut costs after the predicament that befell the gambling industry in the country. The embattled betting firm has suspended its operations in Kenya waiting for the impasse to be solved.
While targeting Sportpesa, Kenyatta made it clear that he sees “no reason” for gambling operator to purport to be helping “a few sportsmen and athletes” while causing misery to an entire generation.
Sportpesa is among the 27 betting firms whose licenses were suspended on July 1 when the government crackdown on tax commenced. The country’s taxman alleges that betting firms owe the government revenue tax worth hundred millions of dollar. Until now, only Mozzart bet among the suspended firms and consequently allowed to operate.
Meanwhile, the angry legislatures told the government to avoid meddling with county duties. It’s alleged that the Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, who calls the shot on the issue has sacked nearly a half of the regulator’s staff. Local media reported that Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) acting director, Liti Wambua has suffered the Minister’s wrath and his place taken by Peter Mbugi.
