Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has firmly rejected claims linking him to proceeds from betting activities, terming the allegations as a “silly smear campaign.”
Speaking via a statement posted on X on Saturday, Cheruiyot expressed disbelief at the accusations, clarifying that he has no knowledge of how betting even works, let alone any interest in betting firms or related businesses. “Stop this silly smear campaign. I do not even know how to bet, let alone have an interest in a betting firm or related business. Neither directly nor by proxy,” he said.
The allegations against Cheruiyot surfaced on social media amid heightened calls for the regulation of Kenya’s betting industry. Betting has become a growing concern in the country, especially among the youth, with over 200 betting firms currently licensed to operate double the number from 2021.
The sector is heavily taxed, attracting a 15 per cent excise tax on stakes, a 20 per cent withholding tax on net winnings, and a 50 per cent betting and gaming tax on gross gaming revenue. Despite these measures, concerns remain about the industry’s social impact.
A 2022 study published by the National Library of Medicine revealed a worrying trend of gambling-related suicides across East Africa, with Kenya accounting for more than half of the reported cases between 2017 and 2022. Victims were mostly university students and low-income earners such as boda boda riders.
Mental health experts warn that the rapid introduction of new betting formats exacerbates compulsive gambling behavior, exploiting human psychology.
According to the “Betting in Africa 2024” survey by Geopoll, Kenya leads the continent in betting participation, with 82.81 per cent of respondents having placed a bet. The survey also noted that a significant portion of bettors are employed (38 per cent), while others are unemployed, self-employed, or students.
As the Betting Control and Licensing Board opens the new licensing period, the regulator has pledged stricter compliance measures to curb the negative impacts of betting.
For Cheruiyot, however, the focus remains clear: disassociating himself from baseless allegations and continuing his legislative duties without distraction.
