Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has faulted the government for ordering a suspension of pay bill numbers of betting companies for allegedly failing to meet tax obligations.
Kuria says the move was ill-advised as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has not issued agency notice.
"The success of any economy is based on a predictable business environment and fidelity to the rule of law. It is presumptuous and preposterous for government to close down betting paybills allegedly on tax related matters when KRA has not issued agency notices," the MP posted on Facebook.
Kuria who had earlier on revealed that close to Sh22 billion from betting firms could end up in healthcare further lamented the manner in which the directives are being issued.
He noted "To make matters worse, the directives are being issued in a skewed manner sparing some well connected platforms. Until we pass a law banning betting we should stick to the law and fair play."
The legislator's sentiments come after Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang'i issued a warning shot to gambling and betting companies in the country.
“We cannot be a gambling nation. We must live an honest life. Many youths end up frustrated when they fail in gambling and end up committing suicide," Matiang'i was quoted by Daily Nation.
Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) had earlier on declined to renew operational licences of 27 betting companies in the ongoing vetting of casinos, lotteries and betting firms.
However, betting giants in Kenya, Sportpesa had sought a court order that allowed them to operate as they await the matter be resolved.