It started so innocently, like many bad decisions do. I was working at a printing firm in Nairobi, earning about ksh 700 a day and struggling as the sole breadwinner for my family.
The tenants in our building trusted me & made me treasurer of our chama — our little savings group.
For the first 2 or 3 years, I was reliable and handled the money honestly. We grew the group to over 2M shillings. Everyone was excited. In December 2024, it was time to share the money.
Then a friend and workmate I trusted told me how she had won big on Aviator
She showed me the app and the excitement of watching the plane fly higher and higher before it crashed. “Just try it, madam. Multiply the money for Christmas, for school fees, for your baby coming.” I was tempted.
As a pregnant woman carrying my 1st child, with so many needs and little savings, the promise of quick money felt like a lifeline. I told myself I would just play a little, win, and return everything
One night, I transferred KSh 200,000 meant for the members into my M-Pesa
I started playing. At first it felt thrilling. The plane kept flying and the multiplier climbed 
But then it crashed — again and again.
I started playing. At first it felt thrilling. The plane kept flying and the multiplier climbed But then it crashed — again and again. I chased the losses, hoping for one big win that never came. By the end of that night, the entire 200k was gone.
The chama members waited for their share. I had already sent out most of the money, but four of them remained unpaid. I begged for time and tried to sell family land but it was jointly owned and nothing worked.
but it was jointly owned and nothing worked. The pressure grew. The members reported the matter. On December 15, 2024, I was arrested. The court case moved quickly. In January 2025, the magistrate sentenced me to 3 years in prison or a KSh 300,000 fine. My family could not raise the money, so I began serving the sentence while pregnant and broken with shame
In prison, I cried many nights. I gave birth to my child while serving that sentence
The baby’s father stopped communicating. The food was poor, the conditions were hard, and every day I carried the weight of betraying people who had trusted me. I publicly apologised to the members — to Patrick, Tinamoli, Catherine, Gachanga and the rest. I was sorry then and I remain sorry now. They had worked hard for that money, and I destroyed their trust in one greedy night.
I had time to think. Gambling had looked like an easy escape, but it became a trap
Aviator, with its colourful app and rush of excitement, took everything from me — my freedom, my reputation, and the joy of preparing for my baby the way I wanted.A kind well-wisher later paid most of the fine, and I was released from Lang’ata Women’s Prison in April 2025. I have since been reunited with my child’s father and am trying to rebuild my life in Nairobi
Today I warn every woman who hears my story - never touch other people’s money, especially not for betting. Secrets and greed can destroy lives faster than any crash. Also friends sometimes aren't good. Choose them wisely.
My name is Dorothy Katulu, I wish you learn something from my story. Gambling is addictive. I can't even say bet responsibly. I can say don't do it
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