Kenyan media personality and former diplomat Thomas Kwaka Omolo, popularly known as Big Ted, has sparked debate online after dismissing Los Angeles as “nothing special,” saying the US city fails to live up to its global hype.
Speaking during a podcast interview with comedian Dr. Ofweneke, Big Ted said his first encounter with Los Angeles sharply contrasted with the glamorous image often portrayed in movies and international media.
According to the former diplomat, LA is largely a well-marketed version of Nairobi, grappling with poor infrastructure and unclean streets beneath its glossy branding.
“I reached the States and realised LA is Nairobi with good PR,” Big Ted remarked.
He went on to criticise the city’s road network and cleanliness, claiming the streets were in worse condition than expected.
“They have bad roads, and the streets are dirty with dirt you’ve never seen before,” he said.
Big Ted also took aim at one of the city’s most iconic attractions, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, describing it as overrated and stripped of its original significance.
“Most of the names on that street are not even celebrities anymore. The street has lost its meaning,” he added.
Big Ted previously served as Kenya’s Consul-General in Los Angeles, having been appointed in April 2022 by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Prior to that, he held senior roles at State House, including Deputy Director and later Director of Brand and Strategy.
