Gachagua meets his ‘Rigathi Junior’ look-alike in US

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has finally come face-to-face with the young Kenyan who has been turning heads online because of his striking resemblance to him.

The meeting took place in Washington, USA, where Gachagua and his look-alike, popularly referred to as “Rigathi Junior”, shared laughs, exchanged a handshake and posed together for photographs.

Far from a formal political encounter, the meeting was a lighthearted affair, with both men appearing amused by their resemblance as they spoke and smiled for the cameras.

Gachagua was dressed in a dark quilted jacket over a patterned shirt, dark trousers and a black brimmed hat with beaded detailing.

A red, white, grey and black checkered shuka was draped over his shoulder, while he held his traditional walking stick.

His look-alike also embraced the distinctive outdoor style associated with Gachagua.

“Rigathi Junior” wore a checkered shirt covered by a blue and yellow plain shuka and completed the look with a wide-brimmed brown cowboy hat.

The two men were captured laughing as they stood face-to-face before the look-alike extended both hands for a warm handshake.

They later turned towards the camera while maintaining the handshake, creating a picture that highlighted just how much attention their resemblance has attracted.

Gachagua's wife, Pastor Dorcas, also joined the moment, standing beside the look-alike and laughing as the two men posed.

The gathering had a distinctly Kenyan cultural feel, with several people in the background wearing brimmed hats, warm jackets and patterned shukas.

The meeting comes weeks after a youthful Kenyan man bearing a striking resemblance to Gachagua became an unlikely sensation on social media.

On August 16, a video showing the man circulated online, with viewers quickly pointing out similarities in his facial features, smile and dental appearance.

His resemblance to the former Deputy President was further amplified by his choice of clothing.

In the video, he was seen wearing a cowboy hat similar to those frequently worn by Gachagua during some of his 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 marvel at the resemblance.

The clip prompted playful reactions from social media users, with some joking about the uncanny similarity between the two men.

Gachagua has developed a recognisable public image over the years, with cowboy hats becoming one of the accessories associated with his appearance at some public engagements.

The young man's resemblance, coupled with the hat, made the comparison even more striking.

Gachagua is not the first Kenyan political figure to have a look-alike attract public attention.

Michael Ngige, for instance, has become known for his resemblance to Kenya's founding President Jomo Kenyatta.

Ngige has appeared at public events and demonstrations wearing clothing and accessories associated with Kenyatta, including a distinctive cap and white beard.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has also had a look-alike attract attention, particularly around 2020 when a man from Umoja estate in Nairobi gained popularity because of his resemblance to the former President.

The late President Mwai Kibaki, too, had a look-alike in the public eye. Samuel Njau Gicheru, popularly known as Uncle Sam and from Kiambu county, was noted for his physical resemblance to Kibaki.

Political look-alikes often become attractions at rallies, demonstrations and social gatherings, where members of the public stop to take photographs and videos with them.