Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has announced an intensified government crackdown on rogue betting firms exploiting unsuspecting Kenyans, particularly the youth.
Speaking during a public address on Saturday, PS Omollo raised concerns about the growing number of young people falling victim to betting addiction, warning that the nation is losing a generation to the vice.
“We are losing a number of Kenyans, particularly the young ones, who have been hooked to betting. We are working on cleaning that space, and we want to ask that you pay a lot of attention,” said PS Omollo. He urged members of the public to support government efforts in reining in unscrupulous businessmen and women running exploitative betting operations.
Drawing a powerful comparison, PS Omollo likened betting addiction to drug and substance abuse, emphasizing the devastating impact it has on individuals and families alike.
“There is no difference between those hooked to betting and those hooked to drugs and substance abuse,” he stated.
The Interior PS revealed that President William Ruto has personally expressed concern over the issue and has directed relevant authorities to take decisive action.
“This is a matter that even His Excellency the President has taken note of and has given us guidance on what must be done,” PS Omollo said. “Already, changes are happening and more are expected, so that we can have a society that can develop without leaving some members completely vulnerable.”
He cited tragic cases where individuals, overwhelmed by gambling-related problems, have resorted to suicide or engaged in criminal activities in desperate attempts to sustain their betting habits.
The crackdown signals a new era of tighter regulation within Kenya’s betting industry, with the government promising swift action against firms found to be preying on vulnerable citizens.
