Reflecting on his decade-long tenure as a Kenya Airways pilot and his high-profile role with the betting company Sportpesa, Karauri contrasted the rewards of his past businesses with his earnings in public service.
Karauri, who co-founded Sportpesa and served as its CEO, noted that the company’s early success was rapid.
“When we set up Sportpesa, the company made Sh12.6 billion in its first five years,” he shared.
However, Sportpesa’s growth was hindered when the government increased taxes on betting companies and accused Sportpesa of unpaid taxes, eventually leading to its temporary closure in Kenya.
In a frank assessment, Karauri warned about the impact of policies that target successful businesses.
“We have a big problem in this country. I once sat with a guy who is a politician, and I told him that if we create an environment in Kenya where we just show that politicians are the only ones who make money and we don’t even know how they make their money… we will not have a country,” he observed.
Having won his Kasarani seat as an independent candidate in 2022 with 32,406 votes, Karauri has voiced his commitment to addressing Kenya’s leadership challenges.
But he acknowledges the financial realities of his new role.
“In my current job as an MP, I have gained nothing. All I do is give and give, I do not see any benefits [in return],” he said, noting that his drive to run stemmed from wanting to bring positive change within Kenya’s political system.
Despite a gross monthly MP salary of Ksh725,502, including a basic salary of Ksh435,301, a house allowance of Ksh150,000, commuter allowance, and a salary market adjustment of Ksh140,201, Karauri argues that his motivation to enter politics was never financial.
He further dismissed claims that he pursued office to shield Sportpesa from government scrutiny.
“That’s a misconception. From where we were, we were now able to protect the business… So my entry into politics was because I realized that I had an opportunity…People say it is to protect my business, but how many big businessmen are out there and you never hear of them running for political office?”
Related: “My Gambling Addiction Inspired Me To Start Betting Giant SportsPesa” – Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri
