SportPesa mega-jackpot winner Samuel Abisai pleads with Kenyans not to beg from bet winners. Samuel Abisai spoke after Collins Kipkorir’s death. What did Samuel Abisai say about Collins Kipkorir’s death? Speaking following the death of gamer Collins Kipkorir, Abisai said gamblers take immense risks and should be allowed to enjoy their winnings in peace. Kipkorir took his own life in Kericho after he reportedly lost KSh 120,000 through Aviator betting game. The 24-year-old allegedly used his employer’s money from an M-Pesa shop that he ran to bet in the games. According to Abisai, some gamblers wager their entire savings or earnings and often lose it all. He advised gamers to gamble responsibly and engage in meaningful work, aside from depending on betting to earn a living. “Then you will find someone saying that betting is easy. People risk a lot when placing their bets. I know people who staked all their money and lost it. If you see someone enjoying winnings from a bet, let them do it peacefully. Bet responsibly, guys. When we place bets, we still have to work hard. Betting should not be your main job,” said Abisai. The message echoes one Abisai made a week ago when he disclosed that he flew to the Netherlands soon after winning KSh 221 million in 2017. Abisai said he moved to the Netherlands because he was under immense pressure over the multi-million winnings. He said the trip allowed him to recalibrate his priorities and gave him a sense of peace. What did Collins Kipkorir’s letter say? That peace may have eluded Kipkorir after a heartbreaking letter was allegedly found in his belongings. The letter shared by Albert Kibet Bitok via Facebook documented that the deceased may have struggled with mental health issues. In it, Kipkorir said he had been struggling for a long time and was tired of pretending. He also absolved his employer of blame, saying his current circumstances were not the boss’s fault. His body was moved to Siloam Hospital Mortuary, awaiting post-mortem.
by William Osoro