Comedian and social activist Eric Omondi has announced his entry into the country’s lucrative yet controversial betting industry, unveiling a betting platform he says will operate under the name BetKali.
The announcement, made publicly through social media and later at a media briefing, has triggered widespread debate, given Omondi’s long-standing criticism of gambling firms and their impact on young people.
Omondi, who has in recent years positioned himself as a vocal advocate for struggling creatives and economically disadvantaged Kenyans, framed the move as a socially driven venture rather than a purely profit-oriented business.
According to the comedian, the betting firm will dedicate 20 per cent of its profits to community initiatives under his Sisi Kwa Sisi movement, which focuses on supporting vulnerable groups and grassroots empowerment.
“Today marks a major milestone as I officially launch my own betting company, BetKali, not just as a business, but as a mission. BetKali was built with purpose at heart. Through this platform, we will work hand in hand with the Sisi Kwa Sisi initiative, committing 20% of our profits to sustain and grow our CSR activities…” Omondi said during the announcement, insisting the platform would seek to balance commercial interests with social responsibility.
He argued that betting already exists widely in Kenya and that his approach aims to redirect part of the industry’s profits back into community support and social programmes.
The announcement, however, has drawn intense scrutiny and mixed reactions online. While some supporters praised Omondi for attempting to introduce a socially conscious model into an industry often accused of exploiting the poor, critics questioned the ethics of a public figure previously outspoken against betting now becoming part of the same ecosystem.
Omondi has in the past repeatedly called out betting companies for aggressively targeting low-income youth, blaming them for worsening gambling addiction and financial distress. His apparent pivot has therefore been seen by some as contradictory.
As of publication, key regulatory details surrounding the betting firm remain unclear. Kenya’s betting industry is regulated by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), which requires all operators to obtain valid licenses before conducting business.
While a company using the name BetKali has appeared in previous licensing records, there has been no public confirmation from the regulator directly linking the licensed entity to Eric Omondi, nor has a license number or official approval document been made public in relation to his announcement.
Kenya has in recent years tightened regulations on gambling, citing concerns over addiction, youth exposure, and economic harm.
Betting firms have faced advertising bans, higher taxation, and increased oversight, making any new entrant into the market subject to heightened public and regulatory attention.
Public reaction continues to unfold across social media platforms, with debate largely split between those urging patience until full details emerge and those calling for greater transparency.
Some users have challenged Omondi to release official documentation to back his claims, while others argue that his broader track record of advocacy should earn him the benefit of the doubt.