Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich has raised the alarm over the growing spread of Aviator betting in Kenya, calling it a dangerous trend that is destroying lives, families, and the economy.
The governor’s concerns come just days after a tragic incident in his county where a Junior Secondary School (JSS) teacher reportedly took his own life after losing KSh900,000 on the betting platform.
Taking to his official Facebook page, Governor Rotich expressed deep frustration, warning residents about what he termed a “pure heist” masked as a game.
He explained that Aviator, an online betting game that has become increasingly popular, is programmed in a way that favors the company over the users, with only a small percentage of players ever winning.
“Aviator is a computer-programmed betting site which takes 100% from clients and distributes only 5% back,” he wrote. “The result is a massive profit for the platform while ordinary Kenyans lose their hard-earned money,” he stated.
The governor warned that, being an international operation, Aviator drains money out of the local economy and sends it to companies abroad, money that could have been used to support families and communities.
He likened it to sending wealth overseas while Kenyan citizens fall deeper into poverty and mental distress.
He urged Elgeyo Marakwet residents to avoid the trap and seek help if they are already addicted.
“Let this Easter season be a new beginning. Visit Iten Referral Hospital for support from our addiction counselors and mental health team,” he advised.
Governor Rotich’s message has sparked national attention, with other leaders also weighing in.
State House Director of Public Communications Gerald Bitok shared his own frustration, narrating how a friend lost KSh200,000 after entrusting his driver to handle mobile money for farm work—only for the driver to gamble the entire amount on Aviator.
“I am glad we are finally discussing the gambling menace, especially the notorious Aviator. A friend of mine gave his driver 200K to help him load Mpesa for some farm work upcountry. The guy decided to become a pilot first before sending the money. That is how KSh200,000 flew away,” Bitok said sarcastically, echoing the governor’s call for urgent action.
Leaders across the political divide have now begun pushing for regulation, with some calling for a complete ban on Aviator betting.
Discussions are already underway about drafting a bill that could block access to such platforms or disable them through mobile payment systems.
With growing public concern, mental health professionals and anti-gambling advocates are urging the government to treat this issue as a national crisis.
The hope is that swift action can prevent more tragedies and protect vulnerable Kenyans from falling prey to betting addiction.
