Kenyan Student Stranded in the UK After Losing Ksh. 2.8 Million in Gambling
A Kenyan student, Dismas Mutai, is currently stranded in the United Kingdom after gambling away Ksh. 2.8 million meant for his tuition fees. The money, which had been raised by well-wishers, was lost on Aviator, a popular online betting platform. Now, Mutai finds himself penniless and desperate, pleading for help from his family, friends, and fellow Kenyans.
From Hope to Despair
Mutai, a journalist by profession, took to Facebook to share his emotional ordeal, admitting that he had made a devastating mistake. In his heartfelt confession, he expressed deep regret and apologized to those who had trusted him with their financial support.
“Kenyans of goodwill, I’m not okay. I will no longer pretend to be okay. I have fallen into a disastrous trap, one I never anticipated in my life,” Mutai wrote.
He acknowledged that the burden of his actions was weighing heavily on him, pushing him into depression. “Aviator flew away with Ksh. 2.8 million—people’s money. Depression is slowly taking me to the grave,” he lamented.
A Family’s Sacrifice Gone to Waste
Mutai’s friend, Tirop IK, shed light on how the funds were acquired. According to him, Mutai’s family sold a piece of land to finance his studies in the UK. However, he needed a significant bank statement to process his school fees, leading well-wishers to step in. A family friend deposited Ksh. 1.8 million into his account, and another well-wisher added Ksh. 1 million.
The plan was simple—after the bank statement matured, the money would be returned to its original owners. Unfortunately, Mutai was tempted to try his luck on the Aviator betting platform, hoping to win big and repay the funds. Instead, he lost everything.
“The entire Ksh. 2.8 million vanished. The bank statement didn’t mature. Money all gone. He hasn’t reported to school,” Tirop revealed in a social media post.
A Cry for Help
Mutai is now stranded and uncertain about his future. He has apologized profusely to his family and community, stating that he had always been an ambitious individual with a vision of creating a better life for his loved ones.
“I’m truly sorry. Perhaps the UK was not meant for me, but please give me a chance to survive so that I can be a living testimony to many,” he pleaded.
The Dangers of Online Gambling
The Aviator game, which led to Mutai’s downfall, is a crash-style betting platform where players wager on how long a virtual airplane will stay in the air before crashing. The longer it flies, the higher the potential winnings. However, the risk is immense, as players can lose their entire stake if they fail to cash out in time.
Tirop, along with many others, is now calling for stricter regulations on such gambling platforms. “Aviator should and must be regulated. Young people are losing their future to these betting traps,” he stated.
What’s Next for Mutai?
As he struggles to come to terms with his financial loss, Mutai remains hopeful that Kenyans will come to his rescue once again. However, with public sentiment divided, it remains to be seen whether he will receive the help he desperately seeks.
This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of gambling addiction and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and their families.
In other news: Woman Jumps from 4th Floor to Escape Alleged Rape Attempt in Kayole
Kenyan Student Stranded in the UK After Losing Ksh. 2.8 Million in Gambling