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EXCLUSIVE: Has SportPesa jackpot winner abandoned elderly father?


The life and times of Mzee Abisai Mabunda have not changed much after his son, Samuel Abisai became the first ever winner of the Sh221 million SportPesa mega jackpot four months ago.

Sixty six year-old Mzee Mabunda still sells ropes to eke a living in Kakamega town despite his son’s windfall.

He has been selling ropes for 46 years now and whose proceeds he used to educate Samuel and his siblings.

We found Mzee Mabunda with his two workers at a makeshift stall near the county market on Tuesday. He said that although he hasn’t seen his son for a while, he’s confident Samuel has good plans for him.

Abisai Mabunda, 66, at his workplace in Kakamega. PHOTO | ISAAC WALE
Abisai Mabunda, 66, at his workplace in Kakamega. PHOTO | ISAAC WALE

“My son had travelled to China with his friends for some business engagements. He called me two days ago to inform me that he is back but we didn’t talk much,” said Mzee Mabunda.

“My son has been away for long but I hope to meet him and discuss with him the big plans he has for me and the family. There are things he promised the community back home and I hope he will address that too,” he added.

Samuel was accorded a rapturous welcome in Kakamega town after he emerged winner of the Sh221 million jackpot.

The grand homecoming party at Bukhungu stadium was organised by SportPesa. Samuel arrived at the stadium in a convoy of vehicles accompanied by his father and mother Margret.

SportPesa's Sh 221 million jackpot winner, Samuel Abisai (in black outfit), join residents of Kakamega in dancing to Isikuti at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega during his homecoming party. PHOTO | ISAAC WALE
SportPesa’s Sh 221 million jackpot winner, Samuel Abisai (in black outfit), join residents of Kakamega in dancing to Isikuti at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega during his homecoming party. PHOTO | ISAAC WALE

At the event, he promised to use part of his fortune to set up a soccer academy and nurture the talent of youths in his Sichirai village.

“My dream is to set up a soccer academy to nurture the talent of youths who end up languishing in the village after dropping out of school,” Samuel had promised.

SportPesa Marketing officer Ms Joyce Kibe also confirmed that Samuel will be given financial advice to ensure he invested the money wisely.

Samuel was last in the limelight in June when he cleared his student loan arrears in a lump sum payment to the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb).

Earlier, he had shared a picture of his safari holiday with a white woman at an unknown location.