Man Loses Over N30 Million Intended for Studies Abroad to Sports Betting, Seeks Public Help

A man from Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, is reeling after losing KSh 2.8 million (approximately N33 million) meant for his studies abroad to sports betting. Dismas Mutai reportedly placed the money on Aviator, an online gambling platform, and now, in a desperate bid for help, he has turned to social media, appealing to well-wishers, including politicians.

Mutai, who had been saving for his education, admitted that the loss has had a significant impact on his mental health. In a post shared online, he expressed his distress, stating, “I’m not okay; I will no longer pretend to be okay. I have fallen into a disastrous trap. A trap that I never anticipated in my life. Depression is slowly taking me to the grave. You must have even noticed an unusual change in my behavior. Aviator flew away with over KSh 2.8 million of people’s money.”

Seeking forgiveness and support, Mutai turned to the public, acknowledging his mistake and the immense toll it has taken on his life. He apologized to his family, especially his mother, for betraying their trust, and admitted that he had struggled with gambling addiction despite his dreams for a better future. “To my mum and the entire family, forgive me. I understand the level of trust you had in me. I have weaknesses just like any other human being, and this has become my greatest weakness,” Mutai said.

He also made an emotional appeal to his community, reflecting on his past involvement in local affairs and asking for a second chance. “Perhaps the UK was not meant for me, but just give me a chance to survive so that I can be a living testimony to many,” he pleaded.

Mutai had previously secured a scholarship to study for a Master of Science in International Project Management at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in London. His program was scheduled to start in January 2025, but the loss has put his educational aspirations in jeopardy.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation online, with many Kenyans condemning gambling, particularly sports betting, for the financial and emotional damage it can cause. Some are even calling for tighter regulation or a ban on platforms like Aviator to prevent future cases like Mutai’s.