A former radio presenter has exposed the deceptive world behind betting advertisements frequently aired on local radio and television stations, warning Kenyans to be cautious of what he describes as well-orchestrated scams. Through a video shared on social media, he recounted a troubling experience during his time working for a vernacular radio station that opened his eyes to the manipulation used in such promotions.
According to the ex-presenter, the issue started when he was approached by a client from the betting industry who proposed what seemed like a straightforward promotional deal. The pitch was simple—listeners were to send a small amount of money, around KSh 50, for a chance to win a larger sum, such as KSh 50,000. Eager to bring what he thought was a golden opportunity to his audience, he presented the proposal to his boss.
However, after the deal was finalized, things took a disturbing turn. The client confessed that the winner of the promotion would not be randomly selected. Instead, he would provide a friend’s number to claim the prize, meaning there would be no actual winner among the listeners. This was the moment the presenter realized the extent of the deception. It wasn’t just a gimmick—it was a complete fabrication designed to exploit trusting listeners.
What made the situation even more troubling was the nature of their audience. The station served a tight-knit community where listeners were often friends and family members. The idea of promoting a fraudulent scheme to such an audience deeply disturbed him and his colleagues. They felt that continuing with the advertisement would be a betrayal of the very people they aimed to inform and entertain.
The former radio host’s warning comes at a time when concerns about gambling and its growing impact in the country are escalating. He pointed out how many of these betting promotions are nothing more than scams, with winners pre-determined or entirely fabricated. He strongly advised the public to be skeptical of such ads and urged authorities to intervene to protect citizens from the financial and psychological harm associated with gambling.
He was especially critical of the recent surge in popularity of high-stakes betting games, which have reportedly led to increased cases of addiction, depression, and financial ruin. The presenter noted that many people have lost their savings, retirement funds, and even family stability due to the false promises peddled by these betting schemes.
In a separate but related incident, the consequences of gambling were highlighted in a case where a caretaker of an apartment complex disappeared after allegedly misusing KSh 100,000 of collected rent money in a failed attempt to win big through online betting. The tenants, who had entrusted him with their money, were left in shock as the man vanished without a trace. His phone remains off, and attempts to contact or locate him have so far been unsuccessful. The landlord is reportedly considering legal action while the tenants await clarity on their financial fate.
These stories reflect a broader concern about the unchecked growth of gambling culture and its potentially devastating effects. The former presenter’s revelations are a wake-up call, urging both the public and the government to confront the harsh reality behind the glossy veneer of betting adverts and take steps to protect vulnerable individuals from falling prey to such schemes.
