LENNY JUMA DISCLOSES WHY KENYAN ACTOR JOSEPH OLITA TURNED DOWN SH1.3 MILLION ROLE

Veteran Kenyan actor and casting director Lenny Juma has opened up about the career decisions of the late Joseph Olita, the acclaimed actor who famously portrayed Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the 1981 film Rise and Fall of Idi Amin. 

In an interview with Cheptoek Boyo on Buzz Central Podcast, Juma disclosed why Olita turned down a lucrative role worth $10,000 (Sh1.3 million) and how his career took an unexpected turn.

Juma, who has worked extensively in the Kenyan film industry, described Olita as the definitive actor to play Idi Amin. “As a casting director, there is nobody who will play the part of Idi Amin like Joseph Olita,” he said. “He was perfect for the role, and his performance was unforgettable.”

However, Olita’s experience with The Rise and Fall of Idi Amin was marred by exploitation. After delivering a standout performance, Olita was paid only Sh1.5 million for his work, a sum Juma described as “a robbery.” “They should have added earnings from the film for him,” he explained. “He was exploited and wasn’t given good money for his talent and effort.”

Following his success in the film, Olita’s career took a surprising turn. When offered another role worth $10,000 (Sh1.3 million), he turned it down, believing he had already achieved star status. “He thought he was a star and refused the role,” Juma revealed.

Unfortunately, Olita’s subsequent investments did not yield the returns he had hoped for. “He invested badly and bought matatus,” Juma said. “It’s a tough business because of the cartels, but he was a good man.”