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Football movie exposes the dark side of gambling in Nairobi’s slums

By Tebby Otieno December 23rd, 2023 2 min read

A powerful cinematic portrayal of the debilitating consequences of gambling has emerged from the heart of Nairobi’s slums. “My Best Shot-JP,” set on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital, thrusts the growing vice into the spotlight.

The film revolves around George Midenyo, portrayed as JP, the manager of Amigos FC, as he embarks on a challenging journey in the Kenya Premier League, determined to propel his team to stardom.

However, the storyline takes a darker turn when his team captain is kidnapped by individuals associated with the betting company sponsoring the premier league.

Caught in a web of financial struggles with no steady cash flow to pay his team’s salaries, JP faces overwhelming pressure from his coach, portrayed by George Alloys.

The coach reluctantly entertains the idea of throwing a match to earn enough money to sustain the football club for an entire year.

The film features an ensemble cast among them Mark Waruingi as Koko, Michael Marubu as Sunday, Teresia Kiratu as Imani, Myra Maloba as Alice, Victor Mutunga as Manu, Stephen Gitau as Mike, Aurelian Syombua Atamba as Cece and commentary from Innocent Mutiso and Chris Chimano.

The film, executive produced by Flavian Mbusi, founder of Reconstruct Kenya Youth Network, aims to shed light on the pitfalls of gambling, particularly within the context of impoverished communities.

The narrative seeks to encourage the youth to bet on themselves, emphasising the importance of personal finance education and the prioritisation of mental health.

By delving into the complex relationship between sports, gambling, and the challenges faced by those in slum communities, the film serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive impact of the gambling industry.

As “My Best Shot-JP” resonates with audiences, it adds a significant voice to the ongoing conversation about responsible gambling and the need for comprehensive measures to address its adverse effects on vulnerable communities.

In an interview with Nairobi News at Korogocho social hall, the creator of the flick Mbusi said that it is not fair for the country to lose youths due to problem gambling, which he describes as one of the biggest issues youths are facing.

“We need to start speaking about problem gambling and then lead the youth towards responsible betting because we are losing a lot of youth to problem gambling because they are getting into mental health issues, then they get into depression and then they end up committing suicide,” says Mbusi.

President William Ruto recently assented to the National Lottery Bill that seeks to ensure equitable distribution of resources for good causes throughout the country to ensure uniform benefit by every citizen.

Mbusi says that the National Lottery Board established to administer the National Lottery should ensure youth gain from the bill by starting sustainable approaches using gambling money at the grassroots.

“We want to see that social good literally being activated and the government coming down to where the youths are because gambling happens every time so there is money coming in every time and it needs to be going to the youth every time,” demanded Mbusi.

Gambling is making its way into Nairobi’s informal settlements, causing increased mental health problems as a result of addiction to this fast-money game.

A team of Nairobi youth, various community, mental health, and film experts noted with concern that youths are the victims of gambling during a problem gambling awareness event held today in Korogocho.