Why Governor Orengo is not pleased with Nyerere’s AU statue
Siaya Governor James Orengo has echoed the sentiments of some Tanzanians who believe the recently unveiled statue of founding father Mwalimu Julius Nyerere bears little resemblance to him.
Nyerere led Tanzania from independence in 1961 to 1985 and was instrumental in the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which later became the African Union.
His statue was unveiled on Sunday outside the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in a ceremony attended by a number of African heads of state.
However, it quickly drew criticism online, with some Tanzanians pointing out that it bears little resemblance to the renowned late pan-Africanist.
On Monday, CNN journalist Larry Madowo asked his X followers if the statue did not resemble Nyerere.
“Tanzanians are saying the statue of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere just unveiled outside the African Union HQ doesn’t look like the man. Can you see it?” Madowo posed.
Orengo was one of those who responded, claiming that those who worked on the piece of art got it completely wrong.
“The statue doesn’t look like Mwalimu. It wouldn’t be right to let it stay. Nyerere was everywhere working for Africa and the world and a familiar face in many fora. His image appears in many publications of repute even today,” he said.
The comments on Madowo’s post were varied, with the majority expressing disapproval of the statue’s features.
“Wengine wanasema macho ni ya Arsene Wenger. No resemblance kabisa (Some are saying eyes are Arsene Wenger’s),” Maria Sarungi said.
Madowo noted that the statue was unveiled in honour of their founding father and inquired about the next steps.
“Sanamu ilizinduliwa kwa heshima kubwa. Sasa mtado?” he asked, to which Sarungi said, “That’s not our headache ila huyu si Nyerere. Wajipange!”
Many others echoed her sentiments with one remarking: “As much as I find it hard to accept the mistaken overall face how can you even get the nose wrong?”
Zambia removed a statue unveiled in honour of the country’s first President, Kenneth Kaunda, in January of last year, after weeks of public ridicule for poor craftsmanship.
The statue was unveiled in Kabwe, Central Province.
Kaunda died on June 17, 2021, at the age of 97. He was the last of the African leaders who struggled against colonialism.
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Why Governor Orengo is not pleased with Nyerere’s AU statue
