Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko replaced a lion statue at the University Way roundabout in March 2019 following widespread criticism on social media, particularly from Twitter users who called the original design poorly crafted and absurd.
Online discussions highlighted the statue's unconvincing appearance, with one user quipping, "even the lion himself appears not convinced he's a lion." Similar ridicule targeted two other lion statues near City Hall entrance.
Nairobi Beautification Program Director Joab Ogolla stated the revised statue represented improvements made on-site, emphasizing that final adjustments were completed. "The statue was subject to on-site enhancements, and the final touches have now been done," he said, urging public patience before judgment.
The redesign followed the 2018 launch of Nairobi's city beautification initiative, which aimed to enhance the city's appeal. Governor Sonko had previously stated the program, funded through his personal resources, was not included in the county budget. "Nairobi is in my heart, Nairobi is in my blood," he said during the project's unveiling.
