Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has removed a statue that sparked social media backlash, replacing it with a new sculpture at the University Way-Uhuru Highway roundabout. The previous installation, criticized for its ambiguous design, was replaced by a more conventional lion statue.
Mr. Oshoto Ondula, the artist behind the city's public art installations, confirmed the original statue was a cartoonish lion meant for an amusement park rather than the roundabout. 'Public art should resonate with the community,' he stated, explaining the misplacement occurred when he was unavailable to oversee the installation.
Ondula revealed the Nairobi County Government's beautification project includes placing Big Five animal statues at key intersections. The revised lion, now installed at the roundabout, aligns with this initiative, though the artist emphasized the earlier piece was never intended for the location.
The artist's statement highlights ongoing efforts to enhance urban spaces through commissioned artwork, with the governor's office overseeing the implementation of these cultural projects across the city.
