James Kirangu had everything a man could dream for—a lovely wife, a booming business, and a stable salary.
Just as he appeared to be on the rise, one incorrect turn into the realm of online betting cost him everything.
The Machakos man sadly told how betting on Aviator ruined his career and sent him spiraling out of control.
In an emotionally charged and eye-opening interview with Itugi TV, the 33-year-old described how his life began with hope.
As a hardworking boda boda rider, he gradually created a small transportation business and even managed to purchase multiple motorcycles.
His financial success enabled him to establish a profitable shop for his wife, whom he married in 2015. However, in December 2022, everything changed after a buddy introduced him to Aviator, an online betting site.
What started as harmless fun with KSh 10 bets quickly turned into a dangerous obsession. Within months, he was betting thousands and losing heavily.
“I knew I was addicted when I lost KSh 500,000 within three months,” James told me. “It was all my savings and a loan from the Sacco.”
His lowest point came when his wife gave him KSh 29,000 to resupply her shop in Kamukunji. Tempted by the prospect of increasing the cash, he chose to gamble with it and lost everything.
In desperation, he pawned one of his motorcycles and borrowed KSh 15,000 from a shylock, only to gamble it all away.
Unable to face the truth, James falsely claimed to have been in a motorcycle accident and used the money to recompense the victim.
The lie cost him more than money; it destroyed his wife’s trust. He departed his house, overcome with guilt and shame.
To subsist while on the run, James resorted to defrauding friends and acquaintances, putting himself further into debt.
By the time he returned to Mombasa, he had defaulted on many shylock debts, and his motorcycle had been repossessed.
By tuko