NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan internet personality Isaac Otesa, popularly known as Goliath wa Bungoma, became emotional during a recent television interview as he recounted the struggles he faced while trying to build a life in Nairobi.
Appearing on the show #ThisFridayWithBetty, hosted by media personality Betty Kyallo, Otesa reflected on a difficult period early in his journey in the capital, when he was advised to abandon his ambitions and return to his rural home.
The towering entertainer, who has gained public attention largely due to his distinctive physique and social media presence, said he had already spent about two years trying to survive in Nairobi before an encounter with comedian and media personality Oga Obinna that left him deeply discouraged.
Emotional moment during interview
According to Otesa, he had been staying with Obinna at the time, hoping the meeting would help him find an opportunity to establish himself in the city.
Instead, he said he was advised to reconsider his plans.
“Goliath we kitu yenye utafanya, itabidi urudi ushago ujipange ndio urudi Nairobi,” he recalled, struggling to hold back tears during the interview.
The moment revived memories of a December 2024 interview in which Obinna publicly questioned whether Otesa had a commercially viable brand.
“You don’t have a currently marketable brand or talent that we can capitalize on or leverage on. Because unasema we ni mrefu, ehe?”
Struggles in Nairobi
Otesa said the remarks left him devastated at the time, particularly because he had few resources and no stable place to stay.
“Niliskia vibaya sana. Hata nilipotoka hapo nilikuwa stranded hata sikuwa na mahali pa kuenda,” he said.
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Despite the experience, he decided not to abandon his ambitions or return to his rural home.
Instead, he continued searching for opportunities in Nairobi, navigating the hardships that many aspiring entertainers and social media personalities face in the city.
Breakthrough opportunity
His fortunes later changed when Patrick, associated with the car dealership Car Soko, offered him a brand ambassador partnership involving a vehicle deal, an opportunity Otesa says transformed his situation.
The deal helped raise his profile online and opened new opportunities within Kenya’s fast-growing influencer and entertainment economy.
No bitterness
Despite the painful memories, Otesa said he harbours no resentment towards Obinna, describing his journey as one shaped by perseverance and personal growth.
His story, moving from rejection and financial hardship to gaining recognition and appearing on national media platforms, has resonated with many young Kenyans pursuing careers in entertainment and digital content creation.
Observers say such narratives reflect the broader realities of Kenya’s increasingly competitive influencer and online entertainment space, where success often comes after years of uncertainty and resilience.
