A man from Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, is facing a personal crisis after losing KSh 2.8 million (approximately N33 million) intended for his studies abroad to sports betting. Dismas Mutai, the man at the center of the tragedy, reportedly gambled away the substantial sum while betting on Aviator, an online gambling platform. The loss has deeply affected him, leading to mental distress, and he has taken to social media to seek help from well-wishers, including politicians and members of the public.
In a heartfelt post, Mutai shared his devastation, admitting that the loss had significantly impacted his mental health. "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," he said. "Aviator flew away with over KSh 2.8 million of people’s money."
Seeking Forgiveness and Support
In his appeal, Mutai expressed regret for his actions, apologizing to his family for betraying their trust. He acknowledged that despite having strong ambitions for a better future, his gambling addiction had led him down a path of despair. "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," he stated.
He further reached out to his community, asking for forgiveness and hoping 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," Mutai pleaded.
Mutai’s Educational Aspirations
Before his unfortunate turn of events, Mutai had been selected for a scholarship to pursue a Master of Science in International Project Management at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in London. Screenshots shared online reveal that his program was due to begin on January 13, 2025, and was scheduled to end on January 16, 2026.
Public Reactions and Warnings Against Sports Betting
The incident has sparked a public outcry on social media, with many Kenyans condemning sports betting as a dangerous and addictive habit. Several users expressed concern over the financial and mental toll gambling platforms like Aviator have on individuals. Calls for government intervention to regulate or even ban such platforms have been growing, with many highlighting the risks of financial ruin and mental distress that gambling can cause.
This unfortunate story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of sports betting and the importance of responsible gambling. The call for tighter regulations and increased awareness about the harms of online gambling is expected to intensify following this incident.
