Nairobi motor vehicle dealer Khalif Kairo was on Saturday, November 16, dealt a blow after the government directed him to stop an unlawful gambling promotion.

In a letter by the chair of the Betting and Licensing Control Board (BLCB) Peter Mbugua, Kairo was ordered to desist uncensored promotions that he had been running online.

Kairo, known for his online and social media promotional gimmicks, had initiated a promotion exercise and had put up a vehicle for grabs.

The vehicle, a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer, was declared the price in collaboration with a digital pay company.

Participants had been given some conditions that they had to meet before winning the vehicle at the centre of the promotion.

”The Board has noted that your company has been conducting unlawful promotions contrary to the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act Cap.131.Laws of Kenya. One such promotion is the just concluded ‘win a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer that you were conducting in collaboration with(name withheld),’’ BCLB stated.

Kairo was ordered to stop the promotions with immediate effect because he had not obtained the necessary validation to operate.

Consequently, BCLB advised the city businessman to ensure that he gets the necessary validation documents before engaging in similar business activities.

”You are therefore advised to cease conducting such unlawful promotions with immediate effect and ensure authorization from the Board in your future promotions,’’ BCLB added.

On his part, Kairo expressed shock at the decision of the BCLB to order an immediate stop to his promotional activities. He also dismissed the Consumer Federation of Kenya over commenting on the directive.

”Such a useless federation. Bloody silent when Kenyans are exploited by everyone from foreign taxi companies, big banks, and big telecommunication companies to betting firms but very loud when a small boy gives out a car to his fans,” Kairo stated.

”Even giving out free cars is a problem,’’ Kairo stated while indicating to be shocked by the decision.