This archive report was first published on 29 June 2021.
Published on June 29, 2021, a controversy has erupted in Tanzania following the appointment of Kenyan comedian Eric Omondi as the Brand Ambassador for Temeke by the local Mayor.
Mheshimiwa Temba, a Tanzanian artist, has come out strongly against the decision, questioning the criteria used to select Omondi for the role.
According to Temba, the selection process overlooked several local artists who have a deeper understanding of Temeke and its challenges.
“There are many icons from Temeke who could represent the area in diplomatic roles without being given the opportunity,” Temba said in an interview with Wasafi T.V. “We have Samatta, Yupo Kibra Sir Nature, and Inspector Harun, who have all represented Temeke on several occasions. We were born and raised here, and we understand the challenges we face. Now, you're bringing in a stranger,” he added.
Temba claimed that he was speaking on behalf of the aggrieved artists from Temeke who were too afraid to express their disappointment through the media.
Despite the Mayor's clarification that Omondi's appointment was a goodwill gesture and not a paid position, Temba remains unconvinced.
“The Mayor should use his common sense and understand that just because someone has a bad past doesn't mean they can be a good ambassador,” Temba said.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some users defending Omondi's appointment and others criticizing the decision.
