A family in Tarakwa, Uasin Gishu County, is mourning the death of a young man who allegedly took his own life after losing more than Ksh 92,000 while betting on Aviator.
The family says the money was to be used to buy fertiliser ahead of the upcoming planting season.
According to the deceased mother, he had been given the money to purchase the farm input, but ended up using it on Aviator, which he lost.
The loss of money is suspected to have been the reason the deceased, identified as Timothy, committed suicide.
“He was a hardworking and determined young man whom we depended on and believed had a bright future ahead,” the mother tearfully said.
She revealed that Timothy has been struggling with betting addiction since 2018. His habit reportedly worsened significantly towards the end of 2025.
“What initially appeared to be a harmless pastime gradually turned into a serious addiction that consumed most of his earnings. It has now led to his tragic death,” the mother said.
Family and friends have remembered Timothy as a kind-hearted and responsible individual who maintained close relationships with those around him.
His brother, Abraham Kiprotich, recalled their strong bond growing up and described him as someone who always supported the family whenever he could.
Abraham said he vividly remembers the last days they spent together. He had invited Timothy to help him with farm work, including ploughing a field in preparation for the planting season. After the work was done, Abraham paid him some money, unaware that it would be among the last moments they shared before tragedy struck.
The family is now calling on the government to introduce stricter laws and policies to regulate betting companies, saying the industry has become easily accessible and poorly controlled.
They argue that stronger measures are needed to protect vulnerable youths and families from the devastating effects of gambling addiction.
