Mathew K. Ndiku, a dedicated teacher of Kiswahili and History at St. Alphonsa Kisau Girls Senior Secondary School and a Recovered Gambling addict. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
For more than two decades, Mathew K. Ndiku has been a familiar and respected figure at St. Alphonsa Kisau Girls High School. A dedicated teacher of Kiswahili and History since January 2001, Ndiku has helped shape generations of learners, instilling academic excellence and a love for language and history. Few, however, knew that behind the composed educator was a silent battle that nearly cost him his life.
In 2024, Ndiku confronted one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized mental health challenges in society: gambling addiction. What began innocently in 2016, after completing university, gradually spiraled into a destructive habit. Introduced by friends as an “easy way to make money,” gambling slowly took control of his life. He started with as little as KSh 100. Early wins—including KSh 130,000 in 2018 and a significant KSh 525,000 jackpot in May 2022—created a false sense of mastery. After the 2022 win, he quit, believing the chapter was closed.
But addiction is rarely linear.
In 2024, Ndiku relapsed after being persuaded to try online gambling platforms promising quick returns. This time, the losses were devastating—between six and seven million shillings. The financial ruin, secrecy and shame plunged him into deep psychological distress. At his lowest point, he did not merely contemplate suicide; he planned it.
Hope, however, intervened.
Ndiku recalls walking more than eleven times around Kĩnze Dam in Mbooni East, intending to end his life. Each time, people were nearby fetching water. Eventually, a servant of God noticed his distress, followed him quietly, and finally spoke to him. That single act of concern saved his life.
What followed was an extraordinary show of compassion and leadership from St. Alphonsa Kisau Girls. The school principal, Mrs. Florence Kimeu, together with the Sub-County Director of Education (TSC), Magdalene, ensured Ndiku received professional care at a wellness centre in Nairobi.
“Saving a life is more important than punishment,” Mrs. Kimeu says. “When a teacher has a problem, the solution is not rushing to disciplinary measures but mentoring and support.”
At the wellness centre, Ndiku found healing in an unexpected place—writing. He authored Wingu la Mabadiliko, a Kiswahili novella addressing cross-cutting societal issues such as drug abuse, gambling, corruption, poor leadership and moral decay. He later wrote Addiction Is a Disease, Not a Crime: Break the Silence and Save Lives, a powerful call to confront addiction without stigma.
Through these works, Ndiku transformed pain into purpose.
Today, he is back at St. Alphonsa Kisau Girls, restored and reintegrated. Beyond the classroom, he has become a passionate motivational speaker, educationist, life coach and team builder. He works closely with churches, institutions and recovery groups, walking alongside addicts on their journey to healing.
Ndiku is candid about the dangers of gambling. He lists financial ruin, family breakdowns, job loss and declining productivity as common consequences. But he warns that the gravest danger is suicide.
“Gambling addiction is particularly deadly because it is silent,” he explains. “Unlike drugs, it can destroy someone privately. A person may lose millions, yet no one knows. That pressure leads to depression and, in some cases, suicide.”
His message is simple but urgent: speak out. Help exists. Silence kills.
Principal Kimeu echoes the call, urging leaders across the country to show compassion. “Many people are losing their lives because of addiction,” she says. “Giving them a shoulder to lean on can save them.”
From the edge of despair to a life of service, Mathew K. Ndiku’s story is a testament to the power of hope, timely intervention and humane leadership. It is also a reminder that recovery is possible—and that behind every silent struggle is a life worth saving.
