Eric Omondi Lookalike Samuel Muigai Reveals First Time He Realized They Were Identical

The internet has recently been captivated by Samuel Kahatha Muigai, a man whose uncanny resemblance to comedian and activist Eric Omondi has gone viral.

Mr Muigai, who is 26 years old, is a trained plumber from Nyandarua. He has gained popularity as a celebrity lookalike, often referring to himself as "Eric Omondi Msoto".

His newfound fame comes as Omondi, known for shifting his career from comedy (beginning in 2008) to social advocacy, launched a public search for the man.

Omondi stated that he wanted a lookalike to create an activist duo, effectively doubling his presence in the fight against the high cost of living.

Realising the Resemblance

Samuel Muigai first realised his striking similarity to the celebrity in 2020. This was shortly after he had completed college and was searching for employment.

He recalled that the first person who saw him while he was seeking a plumbing job called him "Eric Omondi". The person was surprised that Omondi would be looking for work, having quit comedy.

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“It was the year 2020 after kumaliza college, venye nilienda kutafuta kazi mara ya kwanza, the first person kuniona aliniita Eric Omondi. Alishangaa Eric anatafuta kazi ameacha comedy,” he revealed.

Mr Muigai then began comparing Omondi's photographs to his own reflection in the mirror. He described the resemblance, noting that Omondi looked like his brother.

When Fame Brings Financial Challenges

While resembling a famous figure can bring attention, for Mr Muigai, it has also created significant difficulties. He experiences challenges related to job opportunities and day-to-day life.

He often faces confusion when he enters places like hotels. People sometimes assume he is the wealthy Eric Omondi and leave him to pay their bills.

"Sometimes nahuzunika juu mtu akikuachia bill ama anasema ulipe," Muigai said, explaining that when he cannot afford to pay, people insult him, saying, “we kwenda huko hauna kitu”.

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His resemblance has even cost him job opportunities. He is a trained plumber, but when seeking general labour jobs (known as mjengo), foremen have denied him work. One foreman told him they cannot give work to an artist.

"Nilisema mimi ni ndugu ya Eric Naomba kazi Kwa good luck walinipea kazi," Mwigai confessed, admitting he once secured a short three-day job by claiming to be Eric’s brother.

He says that currently, finding work is difficult, and he has been unable to secure a job this month. His financial situation sometimes forces him to send his wife and child back upcountry.

The Call for an Activist Duo

The celebrity’s search for the lookalike follows Omondi’s shift towards activism, a path that has seen him raise over KES 72 million through his 'Sisi Kwa Sisi' initiative.

The lookalike’s location in Githurai, a high-density settlement near Nairobi, aligns with Omondi's recent community focus.

Omondi’s public appeal stated that he wants the lookalike to handle protests while he focuses on his philanthropic projects.

"Haki mnisaidie kupata Huyu at least tukue wawili nikifanya Sisi Kwa Sisi yeye aende Maandamano," Omondi posted.

Eric Omondi’s baby mama, Lynne Njihia, added a humorous element to the search by joking that the many lookalikes would confuse their daughter. Njihia commented, "Sasa mnaconfuse Kyla".

Mr Muigai hopes to meet Eric Omondi soon. He wants the celebrity to help him get employment, such as plumbing jobs or work as a motorbike courier, to improve his life.