Nairobi residents have expressed strong disapproval of a lion statue installed by Governor Mike Sonko at the University Way roundabout, with social media users describing it as poorly sculpted and embarrassing for the city.
Online critics highlighted the statue's unconvincing design, with user Njeri Maina quipping, "Even the lion himself appears not convinced he's a lion." Another commenter, Laura, questioned the decision, asking, "Why, Sonko, why?"
Vasco da Gama compared the statue to other controversial city projects, requesting images of "disco-looking lights" on roundabouts and urging action to stop such "beautification" efforts. A separate user lamented, "No! This is not my city. First Christmas and Disco Lights (that are still on in March) then this... no."
The criticism echoes past controversies, including a 2015 initiative under then-governor Evans Kidero that allocated over Sh140 million to beautify Nairobi ahead of visits by former U.S. President Barack Obama and Pope Francis.
