Gov't to Pocket Sh41 Million from Politician Cosmas Korir's Sh208 Million SportPesa Mega Jackpot Windfall

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is set to pocket Sh41 million in taxes from politician Cosmas Korir who won last week's Sh208 million SportPesa mega jackpot.

Korir, who unsuccessfully run for Konoin parliamentary seat during last year's general election, bagged Sh208.7 million on Sunday after correctly predicting the outcome of 17 football matches.

Korir currently works as director of Agriculture in West Pokot County where he takes home a monthly salary of less than Sh300,000.

New betting taxes contained in the Finance Act 2018, which was recently approved by President Kenyatta requires that gamblers cede 20 per cent of their winnings. This means the government will get Sh41.6 million from Korir's windfall.

Speaking on Monday, Korir said he will share the amount with two of his friends who helped him predict the outcome of the fixtures.

“We were three of us and as usual we sat down and strategized on the teams we should bet our money on. My friends did not have money, so I shared with them Sh200 so that they could bet on five teams each while I decided to bet on seven teams,” he said on a video circulating on the internet.

He added: “After placing our bets, we went on with our businesses. On Sunday, a strange number kept calling as I drove prompting me to answer and challenge the caller to wait until I arrive at my destination.

“The caller on the line announced to me that I was the mega jackpot winner. I stopped my car to digest the information I had been given. Initially as we placed our bets, we promised each other to share the price money.  I will still do the same to my friends who assisted me in selection of teams,” he said.