By Faith Nyambeki
He is a natural and ranks among the best stand up comedians in Kenya. Othuol Othuol in his trademark green suit made the Churchill Show a must watch with his punchlines. The funnyman has been struggling lately with poor health that has put a stop to his illustrious career in the interim. This writer shares the ups and downs Othuol Othuol has faced in his life and career.
Real name
His real name is Ben Maurice Onyango.
Relationship
The comedian is married.
Early Life
He spent most of his childhood in Siaya county under the care of his father. He never got to see his mother. The comedian came to learn of her death three years after he had completed his O-levels. In an interview with a leading gossip blog, the comedian said he believed all along that his mother had passed on when he was a toddler. He came to learn that she had passed on while he was in class six in 2002.
Video courtesy of TUKO
Career
His talent is undeniable. Apart from being a comedian, Othuol Othuol is an actor. He plays Alloyce, a security guard at Taifa Estate in the Auntie Boss sitcom. The Churchill comedian admitted to abusing alcohol to up his confidence.
Struggles
His struggles with alcoholism in his own words made him lose “friends, respect and jobs”. The comedian would sell his valuables like TV and gas to fuel his addiction. He has been clean for more than two years and has advised those planning “to try please don’t try.”
Tuberculosis
The comedian said he knew of his true friends when he was diagnosed with TB. He said his fellow comedians Butita and Karis together with his wife took him to hospital where he was diagnosed with the deadly disease. And he had kind words to say about Karis:
“Comedian Karis took me to hospital when I had no one to help me. He used to take me to hospital every day for treatment. Japheth Oduk was also there for me.”
He finished his medication and after seven months he had healed although he felt weak at the time. Othoul thanked Churchill for clearing his hospital bills. His mentor Jalang’o and Luolikali group assisted him to offset his rent for the months he hasn’t paid.
And he advised fellow creatives to learn the art of saving to shield themselves in rainy days. He told Tuko TV:
’We as entertainers need to save a lot, because can you Imagine when I was sick, I had to pay for rent and other bills and I was not even in position to get out and work for the money.’’
Update on his health
The comedian has fallen sick again and has been rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital. We wish the comedian the very best in this trying moment.
News Just In: Othuol Othuol Death
Othoul Othoul passed on today (11/October/2020) after a long struggle with brain tumor. We take this opportunity to convey our most sincere condolences to the family of Othoul Othoul.