Fourteen non-citizens were expelled from Kenya for their purported involvement in illicit wagering activities. Interior Secretary Fred Matiang’i authorized the removal orders, largely focusing on individuals hailing from Eastern Europe and employed by SportPesa, a well-known sports wagering firm.
These persons were detained in Nairobi on accusations of unlawful betting and lacking valid work authorizations. Authorities also searched SportPesa’s offices, pursuing proof connected to their recently revived online betting platform. This measure forms part of a broader legal dispute between SportPesa and the Kenyan authorities, with the company seeking to reverse the government’s endeavor to halt their Kenyan operations.
Previously this month, Matiang’i stressed the government’s firm position against gambling and gaming enterprises functioning outside established rules, asserting that there would be zero leniency for such actions.
This circumstance originates from a 2019 event where SportPesa and 18 other operators forfeited their licenses due to tax disagreements with the Kenya Revenue Authority. SportPesa endeavored to re-enter the market in 2020 under a new entity, Milestone Games Limited, which obtained a license from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). Nevertheless, the current events illustrate the continuing strain and examination surrounding the gambling sector in Kenya.
Your authorization has been revoked.
admin