A Kenyan plumber from Githurai, Samuel Muigai, has become an online sensation after admitting that he once used his uncanny resemblance to comedian Eric Omondi to win over his wife. Muigai’s story, which has amused and divided Kenyans, highlights the strange perks and pitfalls of looking like a celebrity.
How Did Eric Omondi’s Lookalike Win His Wife’s Heart?
In an interview with YouTuber Trudy Kitui, Muigai revealed that he discovered his resemblance to Eric Omondi in 2020 shortly after completing college. “I am a qualified plumber, and when I went to look for a job, the first person who saw me wondered why Eric was looking for work. He said that Eric must be my brother,” he recalled.
Muigai explained that his newfound “fame” came with challenges, especially the expectations from strangers. “I could be eating in a hotel, and other people would say Eric would pay for them,” he said. Despite the confusion, his parents only realized how much he resembled the comedian after he recently went viral online. “They admitted that we look alike,” he added.
The plumber then opened up about his relationship, admitting he had used his resemblance to the comedian to impress the woman who is now his wife. “I dated her for a year while she thought I was Eric,” Muigai confessed, saying she only agreed to date him because of his false identity.
Speaking about their first meeting, he said, “I was called for a plumbing job, and she was employed there. I took her number but went a week without communication.” To spark her interest, he sent her a photo of himself and Eric, pretending to be an aspiring politician. “After around a year, I invited her over to my place, and she realised that I am not the real Eric.” By then, however, their love had already grown strong, and the two stayed together.
What Are Kenyans Saying About the Lookalike?
When Muigai’s story surfaced, Kenyans filled social media with mixed reactions. One user commented, “That girl didn’t realise that he has an accent,” while another joked, “Kenya is not for beginners.” Others teased the plumber with playful remarks like “Eric wa lipa mdogo mdogo” and “Survival is winning.”
Now a husband and father, Muigai hopes to meet Eric Omondi someday and possibly collaborate with him in comedy or content creation, a twist that could turn his unlikely resemblance into a genuine career opportunity.
By Risper Akinyi
