Gambling with death: Betting addiction silently driving Kenyans to suicide

Harrison Irungu is a recovering gambling addict. [Benard Orwongo,Standard] The thrill and adrenaline rush that comes with gambling is taking a toll on Kenyans. Betting addicts are living a dog's life, and many have turned to mental health institutions for help. Those who cannot fathom the reality of losing not just a bet but their entire life savings are now resorting to suicide. Technology has made it easy for anyone to gamble, and thousands of Kenyans are being drawn into the glittering world of betting via smartphones, betting shops, and modern games like Aviator. The situation is becoming increasingly dire, and experts warn that it is a silent epidemic with devastating consequences. In Nairobi, approximately 10 suicide cases are reported weekly, with bodies collected and taken to the Nairobi Funeral Home, formerly known as City Mortuary. Dr Vincent Makokha, Director of Counselling and Psychosocial Support at the Kenya Police Service, has raised concerns about the rising number of suicides, particularly in informal settlements. "In a week, we collect between 10 and 11 bodies in Nairobi alone-sometimes the number rises to 30," Dr Makokha reveals."Reports often link these deaths to gambling-related stress, betting losses, and relationship breakdowns." Police not only respond to these suicide incidents but also analyse patterns and map out high-risk areas where unlicensed gambling operators are often arrested. When police confisticated 169 gambling machines from a house in Nakuru's Blankets estate on December 23, 2019. [File, Standard] To prevent suicide linked to gambling, the police conduct awareness sessions among offenders before taking them to court. "We try to educate them about the dangers of gambling-how it drives people to borrow, steal, and eventually lose hope," Dr Makokha says. Dr Milka Olando, a consultant psychiatrist, affirms that gambling addiction is recognised as a mental health disorder. Symptoms of betting addiction include strained relationships-at home, in the workplace, and even in one's spiritual life-disrupting how individuals connect with their faith or higher power. Betting boundaries "Betting might not seem so harmful at first, but it becomes a problem when it crosses boundaries. One sign is when someone starts betting more money and spending more time than before. They lose control, and when they try to stop, they experience unmanageable stress-so they resort to more gambling," says Dr Olando, who is also the Deputy Head of Clinical Services at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital. She explains that addiction is rooted in the brain's reward system, a network responsible for behaviours essential to survival, such as seeking food, shelter, and safety. Gambling hijacks this system, tapping into the same pathways and tricking the brain into reinforcing harmful behaviours by producing a sense of reward. As a result, individuals continue the addictive behaviour, believing it brings relief or fulfils a need. "At first, gambling brings excitement, but as losses increase, it creates distress that defines mental illness. Any form of mental illness can push someone to give up on life and consider suicide," she adds. At Mathari, addiction is a significant issue, accounting for a large number of patients. Men suffering from gambling addiction are admitted at twice the rate of women, primarily between the ages of 18 and 40. Alarmingly, children as young as five are also being treated for gambling addiction. Most patients, however, seek help only after developing depression, psychosis, or substance abuse issues. Despite the growing trend, Dr Olando notes that Kenya lacks comprehensive data on gambling. "As a country, we tend to minimise the reality and effects of gambling. Most people don't realise they have a psychological problem. They're in a 'psychological jail', especially as gambling is so heavily glorified," she explains. "Media houses are saturated with gambling adverts. The internet presents gambling as a legitimate source of income, which reduces the likelihood of people seeking help, often only doing so at advanced stages," she adds. Police force "Gambling is not only widespread among the public but has also infiltrated the police force, as officers seek quick money like many other Kenyans. We are human too," she notes. To combat gambling, the police have set up counselling groups, chaplaincy support, and encourage engagement in sports and community service to reduce idleness, which often fuels gambling. Beyond Nairobi, suicide hotspots include Isiolo, Nyeri, Murang'a, Kisumu, and Bungoma. In rural areas, suicides are often linked to alcoholism, family conflicts, or land disputes rather than gambling. According to police records, suicide ranks third among causes of unnatural deaths, after accidents and disease. "About 9 out of 10 suicide cases involve men. Very few women take their lives. Women tend to endure life's turmoil, while men act impulsively," says the police chief. Makokha urges the public to seek support to avoid slipping into suicidal ideation. "We encourage people to seek help. Silence isn't the answer. Suicide is not the solution. Embracing self-love, staying meaningfully engaged, and accessing support can help us find a reason to live," he says. According to Dr Olando, gambling addiction requires professional psychological intervention and treatment. Some 28 gambling machines were destroyed in Kakamega County. [File, Standard] "People often mistake addictive behaviours for poor choices or bad upbringing, but it starts in the brain. Once the process begins, reversing it is not as simple as opening the head and removing it surgically," she says. Face of addiction Harrison Irungu, a recovering gambling addict, knows this all too well. What began as harmless fun spiralled into a destructive habit that cost him his job, relationships, and financial security. Irungu placed his first bet at just 13, while in Standard Three, playing 'simbi' with friends. The thrill of turning Sh1 into Sh5 lit up his world. Years later, while working as a banker, casual bets escalated into an addiction. Introduced to gambling by his colleagues, Irungu became hooked. Betting was heavily promoted through radio, TV adverts, billboards, and social media. His first big win-Sh21,000 from a Sh500 stake-sealed his fate. "I would hide in the toilet to place bets instead of serving clients. At night, I was glued to my phone," he recalls. Despite frequent losses, the thrill kept him going. "Winning felt good. As long as I was betting, I was happy," he says. Soon, addiction consumed his life. "I always had my phone in hand. One day, my son nearly fell from my arms because my eyes were on a betting site." He accumulated debts amounting to Sh1.2 million. Even after winning Sh240,000, he lost it all by betting again. "I lost everything-my wife, job, and businesses. I ended up sleeping on pool tables in dingy hotels," he says. After recovering, Harrison pursued a course in addiction counselling and a master's degree in counselling psychology. Today, he counsels addicts at Wonderpeace Rehabilitation Centre in Ruiru, which currently hosts at least 10 gambling addicts. He describes Aviator as the most dangerous form of gambling, where money is lost or won in seconds. "Our minds produce dopamine, a chemical that makes us feel good. But in a split second, that joy turns into crushing anxiety when you lose," he explains. "Gambling is not a financial problem-it's an emotional issue with financial consequences." He warns: "Nobody sets up betting sites for you to win. I have a friend who works in one. They're designed for you to lose." Even the site design-lighting, pop-ups, and bonuses-are psychological tools to hook users. Despite wins, many gamblers live in abject poverty, struggling to repay debts and loans. Today, Harrison is four years sober, free from gambling and alcohol. "Gambling is a chronic brain disease-just like HIV or cancer. Recovery requires continuous effort," he says. To tackle gambling-related suicide, Harrison urges stricter regulation of betting sites. However, enforcement is weak due to vested political and commercial interests. He lauds former Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang'i's crackdown on betting firms-a regulation effort that has since faded. "Radios, TVs, and billboards keep advertising betting. Why isn't action being taken? Don't we have MPs?" asks Irungu. According to the Betting Control and Licensing Board, there are 221 approved betting companies in 2024/25, up from 118 in 2021. The Gaming Awareness Society of Kenya warns that gambling addiction can devastate individuals, families, and communities. Their programmes aim to empower youth and promote responsible behaviour to combat gambling harm. Gambling addiction is defined as a pattern of persistent and harmful betting, despite clear negative consequences. Suicide and Public Health Tom Nyakaba, Nairobi County's Chief Officer for Public Health, says public focus remains largely on communicable diseases. "Sadly, at least 10 suicide cases are reported at the City Mortuary every week," Nyakaba says. Men and young people under 40 are most affected, particularly those under 35. "This requires a multi-sectoral approach-social, economic, and political issues all play a role. Both county and national governments must work together." About 99 per cent of suicide cases are male. Very few women are affected. Most men who die by suicide live alone, making it difficult to trace their families." The county allocates Sh100 million annually to preserve unclaimed bodies. Currently, the City Mortuary has 184 unidentified bodies. "It costs Sh250,000 to preserve one body-excluding court processes and burial expenses," he says. Last year, 600 unclaimed bodies were recorded. Around 400 have since been buried, but 354 remain.

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