This archive report was first published on 12 October 2019.
Fake Jimmy Wanjigi Twitter Account Dupes Kenyans Over Eliud Kipchoge Private Jet Promise ¶
On October 9, 2019, a parody Twitter account of businessman Jimmy Wanjigi tweeted that he would buy Eliud Kipchoge a private jet if he achieved his goal of running a marathon in under two hours.
The tweet, which was later revealed to be a parody, read: 'I just called #eliudkipchoge. So this was the deal. If he wins the @INEOS159 challenge then I have to buy him a private jet before 28th of November 2019. All the best Eliud Kipchoge.'
Many Kenyans, including famous politician Martha Karua, fell for the parody and asked Wanjigi to keep his word and deliver the plane. Karua tweeted: 'Get the cash ready!'
Wanjigi, however, committed to not breaking character and even asked Kenyans to leave their details for an after-party, which many thought was real and hundreds quickly replied for a chance to get an invite to his home.
A segment of the population who believed the parody were quick to fault the move, asking Wanjigi to build a hospital instead.
Earlier today, Eliud Kipchoge became the first human to run a marathon in under two hours, passing the 42nd kilometer mark at 1:59:40.
