The Story Behind the Viral 20-Year-Old Boy Likened to Rigathi Gachagua

07, Jul 2023 / 2 min read/ By Livenow Africa

Videos of 20-year-old Fred Otieno gained viral attention after viewers noticed his striking resemblance to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. One of the videos, shared on TikTok by a friend, quickly garnered over 115,000 views within a day.

In an interview with YouTuber Vincent Mboya on Thursday, July 6, Fred, a resident of Homa Bay County, revealed that he had earned the nickname 'Gachagua' due to his uncanny resemblance to the Deputy President. The nickname gained prominence after President William Ruto and Gachagua assumed positions of power on September 13, 2022.

Expressing his earnest desire to meet the Deputy President, Fred mentioned that he would travel to Nairobi for the first time if he received such an invitation. Additionally, he expressed his desire to resume his education after dropping out of school in fifth grade.

According to local residents, Fred's withdrawal from school was attributed to his perceived slow learning pace. However, he occasionally visited the Mawego Technical Training Institute (TTI), where he interacted with other students and engaged in recreational activities. His remarkable resemblance to the Deputy President made him popular among the TTI students, and he developed friendships with his peers.

The friend who recorded the TikTok video explained that his intention was to draw attention from well-wishers who could potentially sponsor Fred's education. The video quickly went viral, prompting calls from people willing to help.

"He has been my friend, and I thought if I took that video, people would come to his aid as he hails from a humble background," the friend shared.

Fred aspires to pursue a career as a professional driver in the future, showcasing his determination to overcome challenges and build a promising future for himself.

As Fred Otieno's story continues to capture the hearts of many, the hope is that his viral fame will not only provide opportunities for his education but also inspire others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles they may face.

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