Fast rising Kenyan TikTok sensation and former Tusker Project Fame contestant Alvan Gatitu, popularly known in social media circles as Alvan Love, is the latest celebrity to debunk the myth that fame automatically equals wealth.
Alvan, in an emotional slightly over 8 minute video posted on Facebook, revealed some of the trials and tribulations he has been going through in recent times while still, at the same time, putting the smile on the faces of Kenyans with his hilarious videos.
The ex-TPF star stated that he is among many Kenyans whose livelihoods were brought to a grinding halt by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said he has since been left unable to pay his utilities such as water and electricity bills, leading to them being cut off about a week ago.
The straw that however broke the camel’s back was defaulting on his rent for “a couple of months” forcing his landlord and landlady to lock him out of the house on Saturday night.
Alvan said he tried to reach out to a few friends but none of them was able to host him, with one even ordering the guards at her gate not to allow him inside.
The guards were however kind enough to offer him a small place to sleep where they usually keep their belongings near the gate and offered him a curtain and duvet to cover himself.
Kenyans on social media, both Facebook and Twitter, were moved by his tribulations and – in their usual fashion – immediately began a fundraising drive to help Alvan out of the hole that life had dug him in.
This is real life. Removing the shame. Covid has affected many people in many ways, this is my story.
Posted by Alvan Love on Saturday, July 4, 2020
When you have it all together, trust you me you will have soo many "friends"
Wait until you hit the Rock bottom, that's when the sad reality will hit you.
Tha story by Alvan should be an eye opener to all of us!
The people you'd think they don't matter,
TREAT THEM WELL.
— Mc Kim (@Mckim_ke) July 5, 2020
Alvan’s story hits home. If you still have your life together, be thankful, whatever you can send, send, if you can’t, share his message as a reminder to you & your friends to be there for one another! We all need love & support! Tujisaidie sisi wenyewe. https://t.co/HAh7flkcFa
— DJ Joe Mfalme (@DjJoeMfalme) July 5, 2020
Mwenye alipeana number ya Alvan sasa apeane account number, Seems his Mpesa is choking from Kenyan well-wishers.
— Babu (@Gesembebabu) July 5, 2020
Proverbs 17:17
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."#Alvan’s story is an eyeponer to what true friendship is all about. As we continue helping Alvan, I hope that we all can confidently say we have reliable friends that care about us. pic.twitter.com/9oEfFhbkcB— Achola ♛ (@epicstevens_) July 5, 2020
I remember 2006 Tusker Project fame when #Alvan did a mind blowing cover of Prince's When doves cry.
It's tragic to see what he is going through.
I've sent him a lil something. Please send him something,if you can #Alvan pic.twitter.com/Ou3ZFmhLcF— Joanne Kobuthi-Kuria 🇰🇪 (@joannekuria) July 5, 2020