Lawmakers want stance on betting firms rescinded
Some lawmakers have urged the government to reverse its decision to revoke licences of betting companies linked to tax evasion.
The legislators, drawn from Jubilee and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), said the ban would deny the country the much-needed revenue.
Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala said betting firms were among top contributors to the country’s revenue basket and revoking their licences would adversely affect the economy.
“We beseech the State to look at the interests of the economy and other stakeholders and allow the companies to operate in the meantime as the matters in question are addressed,” he said during a press conference at a Nairobi hotel.
Nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura, who lives with albinism, said banning the firms has directly affected beneficiaries of sponsorship, including people living with disabilities.
Lead protests
“Apart from sports, some of these companies are involved in corporate social responsibility,” he said.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said owing to the standoff, leading football clubs such as Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards were staring at serious financial crises as they depended wholly on funding from the affected firms.
“I will personally lead peaceful protests to the doors of the Interior ministry if the companies’ licences are not reinstated,” he said.
