SportPesa Kenya CEO Ronald Karauri
By Peace Muthoka
December 4, 2025 – SportPesa has secured a major legal victory in the United Kingdom after the High Court of Justice dismissed a high-stakes lawsuit filed by former shareholder and former chair Paul Wanderi Ndung’u. The ruling clears SportPesa of all allegations of fraud, forgery and conspiracy, delivering a decisive win that strengthens the company’s credibility as it accelerates expansion across Africa.
The verdict, delivered on 18 November 2025 by Mr Justice Edwin Johnson, ended the three-year legal battle captured under Ndung’u v SPG Limited – CR-2022-000135. In a detailed 190-page judgment, the court rejected every claim Ndung’u made against SportPesa Global Holdings Limited (SPGHL) and several directors and shareholders.
Ndung’u had accused the directors of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme to dilute his shareholding from 17% to 0.8% between 2019 and 2022. He alleged forgery, oppressive conduct and financial harm. But the judge found no evidence to support any of the allegations. Justice Johnson ruled that the contested share allotments were lawful, properly approved and necessary to stabilise the business during a turbulent period.
The court heard that SportPesa’s global operations were under heavy financial strain, including tax disputes involving its Kenyan arm, Pevans East Africa. The judge concluded that the capital injections made during that period were essential for the company’s survival. As a result, the dilution of Ndung’u’s shareholding was justified and legal. The court also noted that Ndung’u failed to prove any financial loss, as his shares had no ascertainable value at the time.
The judgment also dismissed his claims of oppressive management. Justice Johnson found no evidence that SportPesa deliberately sidelined him or conducted its affairs in a manner designed to harm him. Instead, the court affirmed that the company acted transparently and in line with proper corporate governance.
SportPesa directors welcomed the ruling, describing it as a long-awaited confirmation that the company acted with integrity.
“We are delighted with this decision. The UK High Court found that the allegations made against us had no substance,” the directors said in a joint statement. “We have always acted legally and properly, and this judgment confirms that. We now move forward with confidence and focus on growth.”
SportPesa Kenya CEO Ronald Karauri said the ruling aligns with the company’s long record of compliance. He noted that SportPesa has been recognised by the Kenya Revenue Authority as a top taxpayer for three consecutive years.
“SportPesa has always observed the law, both locally and internationally. This ruling reinforces our commitment to integrity and transparency,” Karauri said.
Karauri also highlighted the company’s expanding investments in sports and youth talent. In 2024, SportPesa’s Tujiamini initiative invested over KSh 30 million in grassroots talent. In 2025, the support rose to KSh 70 million, benefiting more than 750 young people and 11 regional football teams.
He also pointed to the historic KSh 1.12 billion, 10-year investment in the SportPesa League, which aims to build long-term stability in Kenyan football.
“This investment gives clubs and players the confidence to grow. Supporting local talent and uplifting communities is part of the SportPesa effect,” he said.
SportPesa, founded in Nairobi in 2014, now operates in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. Through gaming, community investment and sports development, the brand has become one of Africa’s most recognisable names.
The UK High Court ruling now opens a new chapter for the company. With the legal cloud lifted, SportPesa is focusing on innovation, continental expansion and deeper investments in African talent.
The message from London is clear: SportPesa acted legally, fairly and transparently. And with its name cleared, the company is moving forward with renewed energy and a stronger foundation for growth.
