This archive report was first published on 12 July 2021.
Odibets, a leading sports betting company in Kenya, has been making headlines for all the right reasons through their Odimtaani initiative. The initiative, which translates to 'we are with you' in Swahili, has been changing the lives of ordinary Kenyans in remarkable ways.
One of the beneficiaries of the Odimtaani initiative is Charles Odongo, a man who has become an overnight sensation after his ugali videos went viral. Odibets reached out to Odongo, who had been christened 'Ugali man' by Kenyans, and offered him an ambassadorial job, a brand-new van, and a fully equipped gym, completely changing his life.
Odibets also came to the aid of Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi and his family after they were involved in a grisly road accident. Through the Odimtaani initiative, Odibets partnered with Kenyan international footballer Michael Olunga's Foundation to clear Matasi's medical bill, which included that of his family members.
Another beneficiary of the Odimtaani initiative is Ezekiel Otuoma, a former AFC Leopard's striker who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease early last year. Odibets funded his full treatment of Ksh1.5 million in Germany, provided air tickets worth Ksh300,000 for him and his wife, and a further Ksh200,000 to support the wife's business.
Odibets has also launched a kitting programme under the Odimtaani initiative, which has seen more than 10,000 teams participating in the county leagues get kitted with football jerseys. The programme has been a success, with its impact felt all over the country.
Odibets' General Manager, Dedan Mungai, said, 'Teams at the grassroots level had been struggling to get proper equipment and kits. With the launch of the kitting programme, we were able to kit several teams and this has gone a long way to boost and actualize the dreams of talented players in the country.'
Odibets has also offered a substantial financial boost to national football team Harambee Stars ahead of their crucial 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier matches and was named the national team's official motivational partners.
