A collage of a photo of a Kenyan youth (left) resembling former Deputy President Rigathi GachaguaA youthful Kenyan man bearing a striking resemblance to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has become an unlikely sensation on social media.
The man has attracted attention because of his facial features, smile and dental appearance, which Kenyans on social media say closely mirror those of the former Deputy President.
His resemblance was further amplified by his choice of dressing.
In a video circulating online, the man is seen wearing a cowboy hat similar to those frequently worn by Gachagua during public appearances.
“Look at this man, he looks like Gachagua. He even smiles like him,” a man is heard saying in the video as others appear to marvel at the resemblance.
The video has sparked reactions from social media users, with some joking about the uncanny similarity between the two men.
Gachagua has developed a recognisable public image, including his preference for cowboy hats during some of his political engagements.
The emergence of his apparent look-alike adds to a long list of Kenyans who have gained attention because of their resemblance to prominent political figures.
One of the most recognised political look-alikes is Michael Ngige, who bears a resemblance to Kenya's founding President Jomo Kenyatta.
Ngige has frequently attracted crowds and media attention during public events and demonstrations in Nairobi, where he has often appeared wearing clothing and accessories associated with the late President, including a distinctive cap and white beard.
Another well-known figure is an Uhuru Kenyatta look-alike from Umoja estate in Nairobi, who gained considerable attention around 2020 because of his resemblance to the former President.
The man was said to closely match Uhuru's facial appearance, stature and voice, earning him considerable popularity online and at public events.
The late President Mwai Kibaki has also had a look-alike in the public eye.
Samuel Njau Gicheru, popularly known as Uncle Sam and hailing from Kiambu county, has been noted for his striking physical resemblance to Kibaki.
Political look-alikes have occasionally become attractions at rallies, demonstrations and social gatherings, where crowds often stop to take photographs or videos with them.
For the latest Gachagua look-alike, however, it is the combination of his youthful appearance, smile and cowboy hat that has particularly caught the attention of Kenyans online.
Whether the resemblance will turn the man into a regular feature at political events remains to be seen, but his appearance has already generated conversation on social media.
