Martin Kamotho, popularly known as Githeri Man, has resurfaced on social media after spending years away from the public eye. Githeri Man appealed for financial help from Kenyans. The viral sensation rose to fame during the 2017 General Election when he was spotted in a queue casting his vote while munching on githeri in a plastic bag. What happened to Githeri man? Popular YouTuber Commentator 254 recently tracked him down in Kayole, where he currently resides. Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner 😉 In a street interview, Githeri Man opened up about the eight years he has spent away from fame, sharing both his struggles and his aspirations.
Despite being recognised by people in his community, Githeri Man explained that the fame has not translated into financial stability. He said that he works for the Nairobi county government and even called out Governor Johnson Sakaja for delays in paying workers’ salaries. He lamented about joblessness in his community urging Kenyans to support them by providing jobs or other assistance, singling out one young man he referred to as his ‘son.’ “People know me and I have a clean heart because I have never wronged anyone. Fame doesn’t bring anything to my pocket. I do not earn anything from anywhere else except my job,” he said, appealing to Kenyans for financial support and opportunities for local youth. He added that he has overcome previous struggles with alcoholism and now drinks only occasionally to manage withdrawal symptoms. He shared that life in Kayole is challenging, particularly for unemployed youth who are at risk of falling into bad habits and often end up becoming a menace to people like him.
Githeri Man asked Kenyans to support him in building a house or buying a car. Photo: Mungai Eve/YouTube. Source: UGC Did Githeri Man receive the promises made to him? On the issue of previous donations, Githeri Man clarified that all promises, including a plot of land in Ngong, were honoured. “The land is there, and I am not selling it. If anyone wants to help me build a house on it, that’s welcome. It’s just my wife, one child who is married, and me,” he said. He also recalled being awarded the Head of State Commendation by former president Uhuru Kenyatta, which he entrusted to his aunt for safekeeping.
While the award did not bring financial benefits, Githeri Man claimed the government had mentioned possible remunerations to him during election periods. He reiterated his plea to Kenyans, asking them for practical support: “I would like help even in small ways. For example, instead of walking on foot, someone could gift me a car. That would make it easier for me, and I would appreciate it very much.” Githeri Man added that he remains in friendly terms with Uhuru and expressed gratitude for the recognition, hoping for a chance to meet him again, even briefly.
By DanVictor Munene
