Joseph Olita

Who was Joseph Olita?

Joseph Olita was a Kenyan actor who portrayed Idi Amin in the films Rise and Fall of Idi Amin and Mississippi Masala. He also played 1st Policeman in Sheena. Olita in his prime stood 6 feet 5 ¹⁄₂ inches and weighed 320 pounds which resulted in his resemblance to Idi Amin.

Joseph Olita attended Pap Oriang Primary School. He went for his O level at St. Mary's Yala. After high school, Olita was an employee of Brooke Bond, Kericho and Union Carbide, Nakuru before he became an actor.

Despite widespread fame in East Africa, Joseph Olita did not become very rich. He was known to sell pirated DVDs of his movies in Nairobi streets.