Former Kenyan radio host exposes fake betting ads
Wakanga narrated his experience with one suspicious betting industry client.
Kenya.- Former radio host Wakanga has cautioned the public about the deceptive and misleading tactics used in betting advertisements that have flooded local radio and TV stations across kenya.
In a video posted on his Instagram page, Wakanga recounted a telling encounter with a betting industry client during his time at a radio station. He said: “Some years back, when I was working for a certain radio station, I was approached by a client from the betting industry. It was this kind of betting you hear telling you to send KSh 50 for a chance to win KSh 50,000.”
Wakanga noted that he excitedly pitched the proposal to his boss, thinking it would benefit his loyal listeners. But the true nature of the deal soon became apparent. He said: “After sealing the deal, the client told me he would be the one choosing the winner. That was the first red flag.
“I asked how he would determine the winner, and he told me there was no money to be given. He was just going to give me his friend’s number to pretend he had won.”
Wakanga recalled being disappointed by the blatant exploitation of the betting proposal, especially considering the station’s close relationship with its listeners. According to him, it felt like the station was betraying its people.
Wakanga urged the government to act against betting ads that promote gambling addiction. He said: “Please run away from this. I urge the government to do something. People are sinking because of betting. It’s bad.
“People are losing their wealth and retirement because of the Aviator. If you listen to these betting ads on radio stations—those are scams. No one wins that money. If it’s given, then it’s scripted.”
Wakanga’s revelation comes as concerns mount over Kenya’s gambling crisis, which has been fuelled by aggressive marketing campaigns. In response to the challenge, the country’s health ministry has launched a Rapid Response Team to address the surge in betting-related problems.
