MPs reject bid to probe betting companies

MPs on Tuesday shot down a motion by Deputy Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo to form a committee to investigate gambling in the country.

The Gem MP cried foul after his colleagues in the National Assembly rejected the motion, alleging some of them had been compromised by “unknown quarters”.

Mr Midiwo, however, reiterated the need to regulate the gambling industry.

He had recently alleged that the industry was enabling tax evasion and money laundering.

“We have seen suicides, and many families have been broken because of this thing,” he said.

Last week, lawmakers formed an 11-member joint committee to look into the gambling craze, with at least five million Kenyans already hooked to betting.

The team was expected to table a report in 14 days on its findings and recommendations on how to regulate the industry.

The committee was to be co-chaired by Mr Midiwo and National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Deale.