OdiBets Tycoon Andrew Aligula Drowns in Millions While Gambling Wrecks Kenyan Homes!

For years, Kenya’s betting enthusiasts have been misled into believing that Jimmy Kibaki, son of former President Mwai Kibaki, was the mastermind behind OdiBets, one of the country’s leading betting firms.

However, our investigation has uncovered that Kibaki was merely a front, strategically used to mask the true orchestrators of the lucrative betting empire.

At the heart of OdiBets is Andrew Akwesera Aligula, a shadowy figure whose opulent lifestyle and alleged connections to money laundering and political powerbrokers raise serious questions about the cost of Kenya’s gambling boom.

The Real Face of OdiBets

Contrary to public perception, Jimmy Kibaki, known for his lavish habits; reportedly consuming a whole chicken and chips in one sitting, according to tycoon Jimmy Wanjigi, was a decoy.

Sources reveal that Aligula, a Kenyan-born entrepreneur based in London, is the true force behind OdiBets.

Described as a ruthless businessman, Aligula is a director of multiple companies, including Techplan Limited and Money Transfer International Ltd, both of which are allegedly used to launder proceeds from OdiBets’ betting operations.

Corporate filings in the UK confirm Aligula’s directorship in Money Transfer International Ltd, registered at 107-111 Fleet Street, London, with an active status as of January 15, 2024.

Aligula’s lifestyle paints a stark contrast to the struggles of countless Kenyan families ruined by gambling addiction.

When in Nairobi, he reportedly spends Sh1.5 million on food, drinks, and accommodation at a high-end social joint in the city’s posh areas.

His penchant for fine wine, chauffeured rides in a Rolls Royce or Mercedes G-Wagon, and boastful claims of being among Kenya’s richest men underscore his flamboyant persona.

Sources describe him as a Luhya, born around 1990, and a notorious womanizer, though little is known about his personal life.

Political Connections and Power Plays

Aligula’s rise in Kenya’s betting industry coincided with the Uhuru Kenyatta regime, during which OdiBets entered the market in 2018 under Kereco Holdings Limited, a company licensed to operate in Kenya, Zambia, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Investigation shows that Aligula leveraged Jimmy Kibaki’s political connections to navigate stringent regulations introduced by Kenyatta, who declared war on betting firms amid concerns over their social impact.

The Kenyatta family’s own involvement in the betting industry, through figures like Peter Muiruri, a cousin of Uhuru and shareholder in SportPesa, further highlights the deep ties between politics and gambling.

Since President William Ruto’s ascent to power in 2022, Aligula has reportedly cultivated close ties with the president’s inner circle, including personal aide Farouk Kibet, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, and Internal Security Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

Insiders claim Aligula boasts of these connections, even alleging that Kibet holds shares in OdiBets.

These relationships have allegedly enabled Aligula to sideline Jimmy Kibaki within the company.

A key example is the ousting of Aggrey Sayi, Kibaki’s trusted marketing head, who was reportedly forced out under threats and coerced into revealing sensitive company passwords.

Another employee, an accountant named Kwamboka, also faced pressure and left to join MayBets, a rival firm now struggling amid alleged sabotage by OdiBets’ influential directors.

Money Laundering Allegations

Investigations points to Money Transfer International Ltd and Techplan Limited as key vehicles for Aligula’s alleged money laundering activities.

Money Transfer International, with a turnover exceeding $1 million, is co-directed by Mike Macharia Mwenje (born September 1980, with roots in Kenya’s Mount Kenya region) and Nelson Mwaura Kigome (born March 1990, also Kenyan but London-based).

Techplan Limited, incorporated in Bangalore, India, on November 11, 2022, lists Aligula, Kigome, and Baijinder Singh as directors. Sources indicate that Techplan has been defaulting on financial obligations, with its last balance sheet dated March 31, 2023, raising red flags about its operations.

These companies, intertwined with OdiBets, are said to facilitate the movement of vast sums generated from betting activities.

Aligula’s influence reportedly extends to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), with millions allegedly spent to “micromanage” these institutions during the Kenyatta era.

Under Ruto’s administration, the BCLB was placed under the Executive Office of the President via Executive Order No. 2 of November 2, 2023, further consolidating control over the betting industry.

The Social Cost of Gambling

While Aligula and his associates amass wealth, Kenya’s gambling epidemic continues to devastate families.

A 2022 report by Finance Uncovered revealed that Kenyans wagered over Sh30 billion (£235 million) in a single month, highlighting the scale of the nation’s betting addiction.

The Gambling Control Bill, signed into law by President Ruto on August 7, 2025, aims to address these issues by raising the legal gambling age to 21, banning celebrity endorsements, and establishing the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya.

However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient, especially when influential figures like Aligula allegedly exploit regulatory loopholes for personal gain.

President Ruto has acknowledged the threat gambling poses to Kenya’s social fabric, particularly among the youth, stating, “Gambling has taken a worrying trend, especially among our young people, posing a serious threat to our social fabric”.

Yet, the alleged involvement of his close aides in OdiBets raises questions about the government’s commitment to curbing the industry’s excesses.

Internal Struggles and Rivalries

Within OdiBets, internal power struggles and allegations of misconduct further cloud the company’s operations.

Dedan Mungai, the general manager, is accused of sexual exploits among staff and managing secret passwords used to siphon millions after KRA deductions.

Gregory Amoshe, Vice President of Marketing, is described as Aligula’s errand-runner and a key figure in his financial schemes.

Other managers, including Benedict Murithi (Lead Digital Media Manager), Ann Wanjiru (Customer Care Manager), Robert Muraya (Brand Ambassador), and Angela Mathenge (Social Media Manager), are part of OdiBets’ top brass, though their roles remain less scrutinized.

The rivalry between OdiBets and MayBets, founded by former OdiBets employees like Sayi, underscores the cutthroat nature of the industry.

Insiders claim OdiBets is using its political influence to drive MayBets out of the market, leaving the rival firm in financial distress.

A Call for Accountability

As Kenya grapples with the social and economic fallout of its gambling boom, the spotlight falls on figures like Andrew Aligula, whose wealth and connections highlight the murky intersection of betting, politics, and alleged financial impropriety.

Investigation calls for greater scrutiny of OdiBets’ operations, particularly its financial dealings through Money Transfer International and Techplan Limited.

With President Ruto’s recent anti-money laundering reforms, including the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, there is hope for stricter oversight of such activities.

However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, especially when powerful players like Aligula allegedly operate with impunity.

As Kenyan families continue to suffer the consequences of gambling addiction, the question remains: will the government hold influential betting tycoons accountable, or will the pursuit of profit continue to overshadow the nation’s well-being?