Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot Dismisses Allegations Linking Him to Betting Proceeds
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has firmly dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging his involvement in collecting money from the proceeds of betting activities.
The allegations, which gained traction online, suggested that the Senator was benefitting from the operations of betting firms either directly or indirectly. However, Cheruiyot has categorically denied these accusations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Saturday through his official account on platform X, Cheruiyot clarified that he has no knowledge of how to engage in betting, nor does he hold any interest in betting firms or any 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, either directly or by proxy,” Cheruiyot stated emphatically.
The Senator’s remarks come at a time when the betting industry in Kenya is under increased public scrutiny, amid growing concerns over the social and economic impacts of gambling, particularly among the youth.
Currently, Kenya has licensed more than 200 betting firms, a figure that has more than doubled from the 100 firms registered in 2021. This rapid expansion has fueled ongoing debates about the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to mitigate the negative effects associated with gambling.
The Kenyan betting industry is heavily taxed, reflecting the government’s efforts to control the sector and increase revenue. Betting activities attract an excise tax of 15 per cent on stakes, a withholding tax of 20 per cent on net winnings, and a betting and gaming tax of 50 per cent on gross gaming revenue for operators. Additionally, firms are subjected to corporate income tax and are required to make statutory deductions such as Pay As You Earn (PAYE) contributions for their employees.
Despite these heavy tax burdens, the industry continues to thrive, contributing significantly to the economy. It directly employs over 10,000 individuals and provides indirect employment opportunities to approximately 500,000 people.
In March 2025, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced that it had collected Sh12.47 billion in taxes from betting firms within the eight months leading up to February 2025. This figure highlights the substantial financial footprint of the betting industry in Kenya’s economy.
As the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) prepares to open the new licensing period on May 1 for the upcoming financial year, Chairperson Jane Makau reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to ensuring that industry players adhere strictly to the established regulations. She emphasized that regulatory compliance is critical in safeguarding public interests and promoting responsible betting practices.
Meanwhile, concerns about the social consequences of betting remain high. A study published by the National Library of Medicine in January 2022, titled “Gambling-related suicide in East African Community countries,” recorded 18 reported gambling-related suicides between 2017 and 2022. Of these cases, Kenya accounted for the highest number, with 10 incidents, followed by Uganda with seven cases and Tanzania with one.
The report noted that the majority of the victims were university students and low-income earners, including boda boda operators. Mental health experts warn that the growing prevalence of fast-paced betting formats intensifies the risk of addiction and mental health crises. They argue that rapid betting mechanisms are designed to exploit human psychological vulnerabilities, often leading to compulsive gambling behavior.
A separate survey titled “Betting in Africa 2024,” conducted by global firm Geopoll, further highlighted Kenya’s prominent position in the continent’s gambling landscape. According to the survey, 82.81 per cent of Kenyan respondents admitted to having placed a bet, positioning the country ahead of South Africa (73.94 per cent), Ghana (73.03 per cent), Uganda (71.43 per cent), Tanzania (71.13 per cent), and Nigeria (65.32 per cent).
The Geopoll survey, which targeted a random selection of users, revealed that 38 per cent of respondents were employed at the time of the study. Additionally, 21.44 per cent reported being unemployed, while 20.15 per cent identified as business owners or self-employed individuals. Another 19 per cent of respondents were students, with a small minority (two per cent) indicating that they were unable to work.
As Kenya continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the expanding betting industry, calls for comprehensive regulatory reforms and increased public awareness about the risks associated with gambling are likely to intensify.
At the same time, public figures such as Senator Aaron Cheruiyot are urging for restraint and responsibility in public discourse, especially when allegations have the potential to damage reputations without evidence.
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Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot Dismisses Allegations Linking Him to Betting Proceeds
