MPs slam Government over suspension of betting licenses

A section of Members of Parliament have expressed their concerns over the governments move  to shut down betting companies in the country.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the MPs Led by Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala said the betting companies are the major sponsors of sports  in the country and a source of income  to many youth and their ban would greatly affect them.

On his Part Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino threatened to mobilize the youth to hold peaceful demonstrations if their  demands are not met by next week.

“We can not select specific betting companies  and leave others, we are also aware that last year alone KRA rewarded and recognized Sportpesa as one of the companies that have complied with its taxes….,” he said.

The Mps added that there are individuals who are misleading the President on the actual revenue of the betting industry further urging Interior CS Fred Matiangi  to look at the interest of the said companies and allow them to operate pending the completion of investigations .

“KRA has to open negotiations with these companies so that they can agree on an amicable solution to solve this matter,” Malala said.

They further stated that  allegations that betting companies have not been paying taxes are baseless and unfounded adding that the  country is loosing approximately 1Billion monthly in form of taxes following  the shut down on betting companies.