For a period, he appeared on almost everyone’s social media timelines, in mainstream media, in street conversations, and even among politicians.
With a striking resemblance to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Michael Njogo Gitonga, popularly known as Uhunye wa Umoja, unexpectedly rose to fame in Kenya more than four years ago.
Some claimed there was no way he was not related to Uhuru Kenyatta, while others insisted that they simply resembled each other. Nonetheless, as quickly as Uhunye wa Umoja gained instant fame, he faded from the public eye just as fast.
So what happened to the man Kenyans nicknamed Uhunye wa Umoja? In this segment, Times Digital Kenya explores the rise, and sudden disappearance of Michael Njogo Gitonga.
Who is Uhunye wa Umoja?
Before his rise to fame, the Uhuru Kenyatta lookalike lived a quiet life on the outskirts of Nairobi, in Umoja Estate.
Michael first caught the attention of Kenyans after a selfie photo with a friend went viral on social media at a time when Uhuru Kenyatta was still President. His close resemblance to Uhuru drew curiosity among Kenyans, as netizens shared the photos online in disbelief.
Some claimed the two might be related, while another section dismissed the claims, citing it as mere coincidence. From his facial structure and skin colour to his smile, Michael could easily be mistaken for Uhuru Kenyatta.
Whether intentional or not, the striking resemblance between Gitonga and Uhuru Kenyatta became the talk of the time, making him one of the most talked-about lookalikes in Kenya.
As a result, his resemblance to Uhuru helped him land big deals with major companies and gain media coverage across the country.
Life after Fame
Although his ultimate dream was to meet former President Uhuru Kenyatta, whom he referred to as his brother, he has yet to achieve it to date.
In terms of lifestyle, all was not well for Michael, despite gaining fame linked not just to anyone but to a sitting President at the time.
Just a few years after his rise to fame, Uhunye wa Umoja began to face hardships. First, he reportedly lost his house to a company that he later claimed had used him purely for marketing purposes.
During an interview with a local news outlet, he also revealed that he faced challenges interacting with people, as many assumed he was wealthy and constantly asked him for assistance. He explained that the situation caused him significant suffering.
“Sometimes, I meet people who tell me they have nothing to eat, and being ‘Uhunye,’ I am expected to give them some money. In fact, that name has really made me suffer,” Michael Njogo told a local radio station.
In addition to these struggles, Michael Njogo Gitonga also suffered a personal loss after losing a member of his family.
In 2022, Uhunye wa Umoja aspired to vie for the presidential seat but withdrew. Since then, he has given interviews on media stations about his struggles with alcohol and his recovery through rehabilitation.
