Counsellors and life coaches in Kiambu County have raised alarm over the growing number of young men slumping into depression, drug abuse and even near-death experiences following emotional and financial exploitation by women who enter relationships purely for material gain.

According to relationship counsellor Susan Gitau cases of men suffering emotional breakdowns after being deceived by partners pretending to love them have sharply increased, with many victims reporting financial ruin and suicidal thoughts.

“Relationships built on deceit and money has become dangerous. Some men have ended up in violent confrontations, and a few have narrowly escaped death after discovering they were being used,” said Dr Gitau, warning that money-driven relationships are a major contributor to the rise in gender-based violence.

Several men narrated painful experiences of betrayal after investing heavily in women they thought loved them. Boniface Elvis, a 35-year-old marketer, revealed he spent over Ksh500,000 on a woman who promised commitment, only for her to vanish after getting financial assistance to start a salon and boutique.

“I thought we were building a future together. I gave her everything I could but when the money stopped, she left without explanation,” lamented Elvis. The emotional toll nearly pushed him to despair, he confesses.

Another victim, Francis Kinuthia, said he was left broken and almost took his life after discovering his girlfriend was using the money he sent her on another man. “I treated her well, supported her needs, but later learned she was cheating. It shattered me,” he said.

Others, out of the painful experiences of exploitation, swore never to enter into relationships again. Life coaches led by Paul Collins said the issue is a national concern and that many men are suffering in silence.

He said the experiences victims across the country narrate to them when they visit counselling centres is mind-blowing and that interventions including sensitisation on men need to be put in place to prevent more from hurting.

He also revealed the trend is particularly rampant among female university students who exploit men under the pretence of love.

“Some students have turned relationships into survival schemes. Once the man falls into the trap, the emotional and financial damage can be devastating,” Collins observed.

Dr Gitau urged young men to be cautious in giving money where there is no clear commitment, noting that many victims of such manipulation end up depressed or even violent. She also called on young women to avoid deceitful relationships, warning that exploiting partners for money can lead to tragedy. A Tell Media / KNA report / By Kelvin Kathurima and Muoki Charles