From hero to zero: Duncan ‘Jamaica’ Kibet, an athlete who lost millions  to con artists

When Duncan Kibet’s tale is told, even the hardest people will cry.
He’s a man who rose from obscurity to become one of Kenya’s most promising marathon runners, earning millions before losing everything to scam artists.
He has fought with depression as a result of his ordeals and has considered suicide three times in an attempt to end his misery.
His dwelling accommodations are so dirty that even KES 100 would make him happy right now.
“If you could send me a hundred shillings right now, that would be fantastic. I don’t know when I’ll get another. The good news is that I’ve accepted my predicament and have decided to abstain from drinking. If I drank, I’d be destroyed “He believes so.

Before a series of misfortunes, ‘Jamaica’ was a fashionable, charming future runner with his bushy beards and signature neck chains.
He longs for the carefree days of his youth.
“I was able to get the best I could because I had money. Chains were a lot of fun to work with; they were like an extension of my clothing. It’s not enjoyable to be poor, and being a beggar isn’t fun either, do you understand?”
He took part in a property exchange arrangement to collect funds to treat his injuries and return to the international scene.
As part of the deal, he received KES 2 million, which he used to go to Germany for treatment, and he was entitled to another KES 3 million.

“KES 2 million was handed to me, and I was transported to Germany for medical treatment. While I was away, I intended to investigate whether the title had been put with my lawyer to facilitate the transfer of ownership to me, but nothing came up “Jamaica reflects on the past. It didn’t take him long to figure out that he had been tricked.
“I had just received the title when I realized that the property had been used as collateral for a debt I was not aware of. After that, I booted off the property and had to go back in with my mother “He clarifies the situation.
In an attempt to find peace, Kibet returned to his parents’ house, homeless, destitute, and without a car, but his problems followed him.

“To say my prayers, I used to get up at 3 a.m. I tried suicide three times on my property, I recollect.” Jamaica is the first to admit it.
His attempts to attain justice were in vain.
More information may be found at https://www.the-star.co.ke/sports/athletics/2022-03-11-grace-to-grass-the-sad-story-of-duncan-Jamaica-Kibet/.