Behind the cold walls of Lang’ata Women’s Prison sits 27-year-old Dorothy Katulu, seven months pregnant and grappling with the reality of a three-year jail term that changed her life overnight. Just a month ago, Katulu was a free woman, entrusted by her neighbors with their hard-earned savings as the treasurer of a small ‘Chama’ (informal savings group). Today, she counts the days behind bars, haunted by a single, devastating mistake, gambling away Ksh. 200,000.
Her story is one of misplaced trust, bad advice, and the ruthless grip of online gambling.
The Gamble That Cost Everything
Katulu was working at a printing firm when her fellow apartment tenants selected her as their ‘Chama’ treasurer—a position of great trust. But in December 2024, temptation struck. Encouraged by a close friend and fellow ‘Chama’ member who had allegedly won big through gambling, she decided to take a risk.
With the promise of doubling the money, she logged into an online gambling site and placed high-stakes bets, chasing a dream that never materialized. Within hours, the entire Ksh. 200,000 was gone.
Panic set in. She had no way to recover the money, and her ‘Chama’ members, eager to withdraw their savings ahead of the festive season, demanded answers.
The Arrest and Swift Sentence
As word spread, the pressure mounted. The members reported the case to the police, leading to Katulu’s arrest on December 15, 2024. She was arraigned just two days later, and with overwhelming evidence against her, the courts wasted no time. On January 17, 2025, she was handed a three-year prison sentence for misappropriation of funds.
Now, Katulu finds herself not only serving time but also expecting a child in prison—a harsh reality for a woman who, just weeks ago, had her future seemingly secure.
The Price of a Gamble
Katulu’s case paints a grim picture of how gambling addiction and bad financial decisions can lead to devastating consequences. What began as an attempt to ‘flip’ some extra cash turned into a nightmare, leaving her incarcerated and ostracized.
The rise of online gambling platforms in Kenya has fueled similar stories, where individuals, desperate for quick money, end up in deeper financial and legal turmoil. Experts warn that gambling addiction, often overlooked, is ruining lives and wrecking families.
What Next for Katulu?
With a baby on the way and a prison term to serve, Katulu faces an uncertain future. The fate of her unborn child remains in the hands of prison authorities, as Kenya’s correctional system allows incarcerated mothers to stay with their children only up to the age of four.
For now, she sits in a cell, a cautionary tale of how one reckless decision can shatter lives.
