Sonko lookalike joins politics; says resemblance to politician will bring blessings

A man who bears a close resemblance to former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has joined politics. Nicholas Sitienie from Nandi is warming up to run for the Chepkunyuk County Assembly seat.

 “It will be my first time and I believe I have what it takes. I have borrowed a lot from Sonko not only from resemblance but also skills,” said Sonko’s doppelgänger.

Sitienei came into limelight in 2015 when he joined college in Olesos and many linked him to the former governor because of his looks and mannerism. Sometimes residents mistake him for Sonko and ask for financial assistance.

“This resemblance was instrumental in my winning student leadership position between 2016 and 2017, besides getting an opportunity to serve as a personal assistant to a senior government official,” Sitienie told The Nairobian last year. “My resemblance to the governor has been quite beneficial. People claim that we have a lot in common. Others say I’m his son.”

Even though he has never met Sonko, he’s enjoying the attention, hoping that one day they will meet.

"I have however never met him, but I believe we will soon meet, and then I will ask him a lot of questions,” he told The Nairobian.