How I became an overnight millionaire- Widowed grandma

 Grace Kihungi (centre) with some of her children and grandchildren

Grace Ngubia Kihungi became Lotto’s 185th millionaire on July 12. The mother of 10 from Kiambu spoke to Brian Guserwa about the surprise win and how the money has changed her life

Betting is mostly associated with the youth. What inspired you to bet as a 76-year old grandmother?

I saw many Lotto winners on TV, and vowed to one day be among them. I got interested in it after seeing my daughter take part in the lotto.

I was so determined to win, though I did not expect to win that soon. You see, I had only tried four times and I started with only Sh200.

How did you receive the good news?

I live with my daughter, Hannah. We were asleep when the call came, informing me that I had won a million shillings. I was called and I was shocked beyond belief.

I did not believe it. We had to switch on the television to confirm. When I heard my name, I started screaming and dancing in the house. Then I celebrated the good news with my daughter.

What do you plan to do with the money?

The first thing I did after receiving the first portion of the money was to call our pastor. He is the only person in the village whom we shared the news with.

I plan to tithe some of the money. Further, I plan to build myself a house since currently, I live in a mud house.

I will renovate it and build three rental houses in the compound as a source of income.

None of my children have been very successful in life, so I will give each of them a small portion of the money so that they can start some business. The rest of the money I will save it.

What does this win mean for you?

I have a big family. I live with my daughters and some of my grandchildren.

We have been lead a hand-to-mouth kind of life. I’m a farmer, but due to my age, I am not very productive.

So, this win is a big relief for us. I can improve the quality of my life and that of all my children. I would have loved to celebrate the win with my late husband, and my late daughter, but I know that they are with me in spirit.

I believe this is God’s plan; he has completely changed our lives and we are grateful for it.

How was it like growing up?

I am originally from Nakuru. I was born in 1942, and when I got married, I moved in with my husband in Kiambu County, where we bore many kids.

We became farmers and the rest is history. Kiambu then became my family’s permanent home and we live there to date.

How are you dealing with the sudden attention?

I am trying to keep it a secret. I know there are many people who will be looking to take advantage of us now, or even steal from us.

We are keeping this under wraps for now; no one knows outside the immediate family and friends.

Are you going to stop playing, now that you’ve won?

I’m still playing Lotto. The win has in fact motivated me to keep trying. I encourage others to play as well because you never know, it could be your lucky day.