Kisumu Shopkeeper Wins One Million Shillings with a Single Text Message
“I couldn’t believe it,” he said, adding that he plans to use the money to purchase land and build a home.
A Kisumu-based shopkeeper has become a millionaire, thanks to a text message he sent as part of Coca-Cola’s ongoing Kichin’gchin’g promotion. Willys Mmachi, 44, a father of five from Otonglo village, was awarded one million Kenyan shillings at a ceremony held at the Coca-Cola Kisumu depot in Tom Mboya Estate on Tuesday afternoon.
Visibly elated, Mr. Mmachi, who was accompanied by Coca-Cola’s regional sales promoter, expressed his joy at winning the grand prize after numerous attempts since the promotion began in May 2024. “I have been trying repeatedly, winning small amounts—50 shillings here, 100 shillings there,” he shared.
The winning moment came after Mr. Mmachi sent a single SMS entry following the purchase of a 300 ml soda at his shop on a hot Sunday afternoon at the end of June. The next morning, he received a call informing him that he was the weekly draw winner. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said, adding that he plans to use the money to purchase land and build a home.
Phibby Midiwo, Coca-Cola’s Nyanza Regional Trade Manager, noted that Mr. Mmachi is one of hundreds of Kenyans who have won various amounts since the promotion’s launch. She explained, “The promotion, running across all Coca-Cola soft drink brands for thirteen weeks, rewards lucky winners with up to one million shillings. Mr. Mmachi is the seventh national winner, with six more weekly winners to be announced.”
Ms. Midiwo added that daily winnings range from 50 shillings to 10,000 shillings, all sent directly to the winners’ mobile money accounts. In total, 160 million shillings in cash prizes have been allocated for the promotion.
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