Andrew Aligula, co-owner of Odibets and one of Kenya’s most influential figures in the multi-billion-shilling betting industry, was arrested weeks ago and detained at Gigiri Police Station, marking a stunning reversal for a businessman who had long claimed to be beyond the reach of authorities.
The arrest sent shockwaves through Kenya’s gambling sector, particularly when Aligula’s attempts to secure intervention from high-level political contacts reportedly failed. Sources indicate that calls to President William Ruto went unanswered, while political ally Oscar Sudi was unable to secure presidential intervention on his behalf.
On the day of the arrest, the Odibets platform experienced a complete outage lasting over five hours, locking out thousands of users and fueling speculation about the company’s stability.
Court Ruling Triggers Data Protection Concerns
The controversy intensified following a May 13, 2026 court ruling that has reignited debate over an alleged Safaricom customer data breach dating back to 2018-2019. The ruling has prompted calls for investigations by multiple government agencies, including law enforcement and data protection regulators.
Court records contain allegations regarding the circulation of Safaricom subscriber information during the reported breach period, raising questions about how personal data may have been accessed, shared, or utilized by third parties.
Industry-Wide Implications
The case has broader significance for Kenya’s betting industry, where millions of customers share sensitive personal information including identification documents, mobile money details, and betting histories with digital platforms.
Regulators and consumer advocates are now calling for comprehensive reviews of data handling practices across the gambling sector to ensure compliance with Kenya’s Data Protection Act.
What’s Next
For Odibets, the scrutiny represents one of its most significant challenges since establishing itself as a major player in Kenya’s competitive betting market. The outcome of any investigations could influence future licensing decisions and compliance requirements across the industry.
As authorities examine the allegations, the case serves as a stark reminder that in the digital economy, how companies obtain, store, and protect customer data can determine both their reputation and their future viability.
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