Student in Migori County commits suicide after losing Sh80,000 for school fees

A university student committed suicide last month after losing Sh80,000 in a football bet.

The Kenyatta University student from Migori County was on July 7, 2016, found hanging behind his mother's house in Ondome village, Uriri Sub-County.

He left behind a note indicating that the money he was given to pay college fees had disappeared in betting and he saw no need of living.

The student had placed the money on the high-stakes Germany-Italy Euro 2016 match.

He put Sh40,000 on a Germany win and a similar amount on an Italy victory but the match ended in a draw.

"He watched the game in Nairobi but, after losing, decided to come back home where he took his life," said Migori County police boss David Kirui.

In football betting, an extra-time result does not count, so although Germany routed Italy in the subsequent penalty shootout, his 'win' bet in favour of the teams did not matter.

Secondary school and college students have been hooked on the betting craze with their parents getting worried since some no longer concentrate on their studies.

Many boda boda riders and taxi drivers are hooked on betting.