Homa Bay man drowning in debt asks gambling authority to block him from betting sites, gets response

• A man identified as Zachary Mbara is deep in financial ruin and struggling with over KSh million in debt from loans and gambling habit that he has been harbouring
• The matter has affected his home, and even his wife started complaining and called him out on it, as they had been on a good trajectory.
• To save his life and finances, the man officially sought a permanent ban on all gambling activities from the authorities in Kenya

Homa Bay, Kenya: A young teacher identified as Zachary Mbara has written a letter to the gambling authority requesting to be taken away from all betting platforms, as they were ruining his life.

Speaking to NGBREAKINGNEWS, Mbara said that before he started gambling, he was on a good trajectory and was building himself a beautiful family house, but since he started the habit, things have not been the same.

Read also

Kenyan man in US breaks down after philanthropist gives him cash, 100 pairs of shoes

He said that he was headed for total financial ruin because of an addiction to betting that took over him years ago.

“By 2020, I had already built my house and owned a boda boda, all from my Board Of Management (BOM) teacher job, but now, I have very little to write home about,” he said.

He said that despite earning a net salary of KSh 32,000, he is sinking in debts and poverty, his family is suffering because of a lack of basics. Admittedly, Zachary tried to repay loans after relentless calls from creditors, adding to his despair at home.

When Mbara approached the betting company to remove him from their registry, it gave him KSh 143 bob cashback, so that was not a solution, so he ran to the regulator for help.

“I officially wrote to Gambling and Regulatory Authority for a permanent block from all gambling websites. They asked me to provide my ID number; all my registered phone numbers and two passport sized photographs. I did so, after that, that’s the feedback,” he said.

Read also

Nairobi man who mocked police officers after house was demolished speaks: “Cost KSh 40m”

“I am writing to request voluntary self-exclusion from all licensed betting, gaming and lottery operators in Kenya under the Gambling Control Act 2023,” wrote Mbara.

What made Zachary turn to the gambling regulator?

Speaking to NGBREAKINGNEWS, the young man said that when it became too much, he turned to the betting regulator and wrote to them.

“I feel like I’ve lost much and trying may make me gain a few, it ends up getting lost too much; accepting the fact that I’ve lost too much. My wife told me that I’ve lost too much and can’t get them back, she has denied me the opportunity, in her presence I can’t do it. But immediately I am out; I try, so unfortunate,” he said.

“Your request is being processed,” replied the regulator.

Nairobi man man bets KSh 12m

In a different story, a certified public accountant identified as Joshua shared his journey of financial loss through the vice of betting and said he had lost KSh 12 million.

Joshua said that he also lost 10 jobs and admitted to having 4000 lovers during his time; he talked about his time with them as well.

Read also

Nairobi pastor rejects KSh 2.4 billion offer to join cult, says his wife saved him

He lost his job and sold his possessions to survive, and Kenyans reacted to his honest discussion about life’s challenges, especially when one has an addiction.

Source: NGBREAKINGNEWS