This archive report was first published on 12 October 2019.
On October 12, 2019, Kenyan self-proclaimed mathematician Clinton Otieno faced ridicule after his calculations predicted that world champion Eliud Kipchoge's INEOS 1:59 challenge was an impossible feat.
However, Kipchoge proved him wrong by shattering the two-hour barrier in a historic moment, finishing the 42-kilometer run in 1:59:40.
Netizens were quick to call out Otieno, labeling him a 'prophet of doom' for his prediction.
After the backlash, Otieno apologized, saying, 'Am (sic) so sorry and I withdraw. Congratulation Eliud Kipchoge.'
Users took to social media to troll Otieno, with one user writing, 'Where is Clinton Otieno the Mathematician? Jim Ratcliffe hired the best researchers across the globe. Wewe na maths yako ya Jaramogi University inakupa kiburi.'
Another user wrote, 'Clinton Otieno, your village people have called, they want you back, you’ve ashamed your school and your village at large.'
