Family in Uasin Gishu Mourns Young Man After Alleged Betting Loss Tragedy
By Ruth Sang
A family in Uasin Gishu County is grieving the loss of a young man who allegedly took his own life after losing more than Sh92,000 through betting. The money had reportedly been set aside to purchase fertilizer ahead of the April planting season.
The incident has shocked relatives and neighbours and has renewed concerns about the growing problem of gambling addiction among young people in the region.
According to his mother, Timothy was a hardworking and determined young man whom the family relied on and believed had a promising future. She said he began betting in 2018, but his gambling habit worsened significantly towards the end of 2025.
What initially seemed like a harmless pastime gradually developed into a serious addiction that consumed much of his income and ultimately contributed to the tragedy.
Family members and friends have described Timothy as kind, responsible and closely connected to those around him. His brother, Abraham Kiprotich, recalled the strong relationship they shared while growing up and said Timothy always tried to support the family whenever possible.
Abraham said he clearly remembers the last days they spent together. He had invited Timothy to assist him with farm work, including ploughing land in preparation for the upcoming planting season.
After the work was completed, Abraham paid him some money, not knowing it would be one of the last times they would spend together before the tragic incident.
The grieving family is now urging the government to introduce stricter regulations on betting companies. They argue that gambling services have become too easily accessible and insufficiently regulated.
According to the family, stronger policies are necessary to protect young people and families from the harmful effects of gambling addiction.
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