Football gambling is the biggest thing right now. Sporpesa has captured the imagination of Kenyans from all walks of life. From those in bespoke suits to the boda boda riders.
Everyone seems to have a plan for the weekend. Which mostly sounds like this: ‘Research and analyze’ the weekend’s games, place 100 bob on a multi-bet, get a few extra hundred shillings and head to your usual, then watch and hope your investment grows to Sh6000.
Almost 90% of the gamblers lose their money and the cycle continues every weekend and in some cases during the mid-week fixtures.
Following the success of Sportpesa, many other betting sites have come in. mCHEZA is another popular bookmaker that was founded by TV personality Julie Gichuru.
Unlike other major company owners in Kenya, Julie Gichuru chose not to remain in the background, but to take the spotlight as the face of the company. Perhaps this was meant to utilize her celebrity stature to win more customers.
Over the years, Julie gained the reputation of the voice or reason, a ‘proper’ lady and someone who speaks out against the ills of the society.
For her to then launch a gambling site, was a surprise to many Kenyans. This plus her association to the Samuel Gichuru, the corrupt former KPLC MD wanted in Jersey, does not do well to her reputation.
Things reached boiling point yesterday when mCHEZA started trending following lower than expected bonus winnings. Kenyans who had been keeping their opinions to themselves for many months let it all out.
Here are some of those tweets.
Money stolen by her dad will be inherited by her or will the state freeze his father's assets once he is extradited? https://t.co/JkjZ2bPt2h
— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) April 12, 2016
Someone who promotes gambling cannot be an icon,she also identifies with her criminal father-in-law. Julie is a beneficiary of stolen loot!
— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) April 12, 2016
Gichuru destroyed Kenya economy with fake power rationing in the 90's.People lost jobs while he looted Kenya power.Julie is a beneficiary.
— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) April 12, 2016
Ever heard Julie Gichuru condemning corruption? She lives in a glass house. Her father is wanted in Jersey,her husband is suing Robert Alai.
— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) April 12, 2016
Samuel Gichuru won't be buried with what he stole from Kenya.He destroyed lives & our economy.Gichuru's (Julie etc) will inherit stolen loot
— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) April 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/SamGichuru/status/719843546841423873
https://twitter.com/SamGichuru/status/719843733227839488
https://twitter.com/SamGichuru/status/719844883742224385
https://twitter.com/SamGichuru/status/719845424832593920
https://twitter.com/SamGichuru/status/719845756883050498
https://twitter.com/SamGichuru/status/719847321480126464
https://twitter.com/SamGichuru/status/719847541609742337
Must admit that I was surprised to see @JulieGichuru part of gambling company. Choices have consequences for public figures.
— Gabriel Dolan (@GabrielDolan1) April 12, 2016
glad someone finally brought it up, but i've never understood why Julie Gichuru would be promoting gambling
— Oluoch Fredrick. (@oluoch_fredrick) April 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/CollinsBriche/status/719843169131765760
https://twitter.com/GicheruGicheru/status/719749751718154241
I can't see a reason why I should stand with the corrupt #FallOfJulieGichuru
— HEMEDI MOHA® (@HemediMoha) April 12, 2016
However, things turned around and many others who still hold her in high regard started a hashtag to show support.
Our fathers do not represent who we are. I refuse to condemn @JulieGichuru she remains a role model to many #IStandWithJulieGichuru
— -Dennis Itumbi, CBS (@OleItumbi) April 12, 2016
For the few months that @JulieGichuru has been @BrandKenya she has served her Nation with passion and dedication. #IStandWithJulieGichuru
— -Dennis Itumbi, CBS (@OleItumbi) April 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/solombuya/status/719877347214815232
Why do ugly-looking men always hate on women who are out of their league? Stick to your level..nkt #IStandWithJulieGichuru
— nellie minor (@nellyessmaina) April 12, 2016
I refuse ideologies of simpletons who're always quick to troll women on social media.Who are you to Judge? God's PA?#IStandWithJulieGichuru
— Nancy Okalo (@Nanaokalo) April 12, 2016
#IStandWithJulieGichuru because she has earned my respect and admiration over the years
— The Wandering Shepherd (@Rmagondu) April 12, 2016
What do you think? Should Julie Gichuru involve herself in gambling?
