Sculptor Oshoto Ondula faced public scrutiny in 2019 after a lion monument installed at the Uhuru Highway–University Way roundabout drew sharp online criticism. The artist confirmed the piece remained unfinished when it was displayed, stating he had to leave Nairobi abruptly for personal reasons.
Ondula told Nairobi News the statue was still in progress during March 2019, emphasizing the complexity of monument creation. "You can't install a monument like that overnight. Much work is needed to bring a statue to life," he said.
With a career spanning over three decades, Ondula has created notable works including a 1983 sculpture gifted to Queen Elizabeth II during her Kenya visit. His portfolio also includes monuments for international figures like Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau's father and iconic Nairobi landmarks such as the Nyayo monument and Tom Mboya statue.
The artist highlighted his role in urban development, stating, "My work has helped bring our history to life." The controversy followed the installation of the lion sculpture, which became a social media topic despite its incomplete state.
