The man thought to be Kenya’s tallest person is turning into some sort of celebrity.
Jackson Koskei from Bomet County, who measures 7 feet 3 inches, has been appointed the National Authority for Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) ambassador in the county to help fight the problem of drug abuse and alcoholism, the Standard reports.
Mr Koskei is just a foot shy of the world’s tallest man, Sultan Kösen from Turkey, who stands at 8.3 feet.
Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto said the county will use his unique features to campaign against drug abuse. “I think you are the right person to help us in sensitisation against drug abuse and alcohol among youth and the county will employ your services,” Mr Ruto said during a tour by NACADA.
Mr Ruto’s sentiments were backed by NACADA chairman John Mututho who said Koskei is “the best person to be used in the campaigns which would also help him sell his unique features.”
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Mr Koskei, or Kangaga as he is fondly known, said he would be willing to help fight the drug menace as well as other vices in society. “I will not mind helping to fight drug abuse in Bomet as well as promoting the county’s other unique features,” he said.
He revealed that previously, the attention he would get from people on the streets used to irritate and annoy him. He is, however, now beginning to get used to it and will once in a while make stops in the streets to appreciate those who identify with him. “Nowadays, I am used to being stopped in the streets for a photo session by those who are attracted by my height,” he said.
Interestingly, Koskei remained unaware that there was anything unusual about his height until he took his wife to Tenwek Mission Hospital some years ago. The doctors were amazed by his towering frame and took his height.
“One of the doctors suggested to his colleagues that they should inform the record keepers as my height was unique,” Koskei says.
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