Luck or gamble? JSS teacher walks away with Sh10 million as colleagues go on strike

As more than 46,000 Junior Secondary School tutors are engaging in a nationwide strike over their fate in teaching service, one of them was celebrating a Sh10 million jackpot.

The 35-year-old Derrick Mukeku Kasyoka from Ivumbuni village of Mutituni location in Machakos is the latest millionaire in town after hitting a Sh10 million jackpot  in a Sport Pesa bet.

The Junior Secondary School teacher received the good news last Sunday through a call from the sports betting company confirming he had won the coveted prize.

On Thursday, Sport Pesa dispatched a team of staff to Kasyoka’s home in the outskirts of Machakos town where they handed him a dummy as the media jostled to secure an interview with the winner.

“This is a turning point in my life. I have never imagined having this kind of money in my life. It is difficult to explain my happiness right now but all I have to say is that God works miracles,” said Kasyoka.

He said since he started betting in 2018, the highest amount he ever won was Sh11,000. “I also remember last year I won some Sh1,800 and that was all.

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Although my motivation to bet has always been to win, I have never imagined hitting such a jackpot,” he said.

He explained that the financial windfall was like an answered prayer that God fulfilled a thousand fold after years of financial struggle.

“God knows my story better. My parents sold everything they had in order to educate me. I attended a day primary school and transited to a local day secondary school but I still managed to pass my examinations and joined Kenyatta University where I pursued a bachelor’s degree in Education,” Kasyoka told journalists in an interview.

After graduating, he worked in various private schools earning little salary that was hardly enough to meet his personal and family needs.

“Luckily, I was among the first cohort of lucky JSS teachers to be hired on permanent and pensionable terms. And now here I am again. I am very happy,” added Kasyoka, who is a Manchester United supporter.

Asked whether his new financial status had caused him anxiety, he said, “It has not occurred to me yet. I go about my daily programs as before and when the night falls, I fall asleep like before. This development has not interfered with my peace of mind.”

Kasyoka said he was yet to decide how he will spend the huge cash, noting that careful planning was necessary.

“Without sound planning, this money can still go down the drain. Many people have won jackpots and ended up in poverty for failure to plan well. My aim is to grow this money and change my life and that of my family for the better,” he said.