Nairobi’s luxury JW Marriott Hotel was the scene of celebration, disbelief, and life-changing fortunes on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, as Boniface ‘Bonnie’ Kamau was officially unveiled as SportPesa’s latest – and largest ever – Mega Jackpot winner.
The 37-year-old stunned the betting world by scooping an eye-watering Sh 424,660,618 after correctly predicting the outcome of all 17 matches in the fiercely contested Mega Jackpot.
The grand reveal wasn’t just a press conference – it felt like a red-carpet event. The air buzzed with excitement as SportPesa transformed the Marriott ballroom into a stage fit for a record-breaker. Camera flashes popped, music thumped softly in the background.
Kamau’s journey to this windfall began on March 3, 2025, with a simple Sh500 bet. No wild guesses here – he insisted it was methodical research, patience, and persistence.
“I’ve been playing for over ten years,” he told the audience, his voice calm despite being the centre of attention.
“I deserved this win. I thank God, and I tell people – play responsibly.”
Beside him stood his wife, Veronica Wahu, who has been his cheerleader throughout the years. The couple’s chemistry was evident, exchanging knowing smiles that said more than any speech could.
The ceremony drew top brass from SportPesa, led by CEO Ronald Karauri, who presented the symbolic oversized cheque. Karauri congratulated Kamau and urged him to invest wisely, hinting that fortune management was just as important as winning it.
Willis Ojwang’, the company’s PR Manager, added words of encouragement, assuring the public that Kamau’s story was proof of the legitimacy – and unpredictability – of the jackpot.
The highlight of the afternoon came when Kamau, with a steady hand, lifted the giant cheque alongside Karauri as confetti rained down. The room erupted in cheers – a mix of press, SportPesa staff, and invited guests applauding the man who had just rewritten the company’s record books.
Another standout moment was his candid advice to fellow bettors: “Don’t gamble with school fees or essential money. Bet small – Sh100, Sh200. If it’s meant to be, it will happen.” His words landed with the weight of someone who knows the thin line between chance and caution.
When asked about his future plans, Kamau jokingly said he would be going on a vacation to think about the money plans. He revealed he’d be quitting his casual job.
While he kept details vague, he hinted at “family projects” and “giving back to the community,” earning nods of approval from the audience.
The win marks SportPesa’s first Mega Jackpot payout since 2018, instantly resetting the prize pool to Sh100 million for the next round. The buzz from Kamau’s win is expected to fuel a spike in entries, but the company doubled down on messaging around responsible betting.
As the formalities wound down, Bonnie and Veronica lingered for photographs, embracing family members and shaking hands with SportPesa executives. The atmosphere was celebratory but grounded