Ezekiel Mutua rubs Kenyans the wrong way as he launches scathing attack on SportPesa

Ezekiel Mutua expressed his joy after SportPesa canceled all existing financial agreements with clubs and federations. The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) boss says the cancellation was a good move.

SportPesa cancelled all existing financial agreements with clubs and federations on Tuesday January 2nd. The move followed government’s decision to effect a new tax law requiring all betting, lottery and gaming companies to pay an increased tax of 35% on gross earnings up from 15%.

SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri says the new tax law is punitive and harmful to business. The gaming giant holds the largest market and has been the most active company in terms of allocating sponsorship money to teams, federations, as well as tournaments.

SportPesa sponsored Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards football clubs to the tune of Kes 60 million and Kes 45 million respectively. The company also sponsored Kenya Premier League and Football Kenya Federation and the Kenya Rugby Union at Kes 100 million, Kes 70 million and Kes 120 million respectively.

SportsPesa can close shop in Kenya for all I care

Ezekiel Mutua angered Kenyans when he celebrated news that SportPesa had stopped all sponsorship in Kenya. The KFCB boss argues that betting has reduced the country to a morally bankrupt nation.

“SportsPesa can close shop in Kenya for all I care. Betting has reduced us to a morally bankrupt nation that teaches it’s youths that there are quick fixes to life. The damage caused by sports betting will in the long run have more devastating effects than the road carnage we are witnessing. The moral decay caused by this demonic craze cannot be compensated through any short term gains brought by SportsPesa sponsorships. Our award winning athletes are not a product of SportsPesa sponsorship. Dennis Oliech, Victor Wanyama and Michael Olunga are not products of betting companies. We must not trade our values for profits. The future of our country is threatened by this addictive craze!” Wrote Ezekiel Mutua.