The once-famous “Samia Suluhu” themed matatu plying Nairobi CBD-Outering Route 23 has quietly rolled into the garage for a repaint after a wave of public outrage linking the artwork to Tanzania’s violent post-election fallout.
The vehicle, owned by ROG Sacco, had drawn the ire of matatu culture loyalists who accused its operators of glorifying a regime blamed for deadly October 29 election turmoil across the border.
President Samia Suluhu was declared winner in a heavily disputed vote marred by mass fatalities, though the Tanzanian government has yet to release official casualty figures.
In the unrest that followed, protesters torched businesses and public installations before facing brutal pushback from security forces.
Reports emerged of unarmed civilians, including women and children, shot dead in confrontations that shocked the region.
Under pressure, the matatu has ditched its presidential portrait for a safer bet: a Young Africans SC (Yanga) football club theme, celebrating one of Tanzania’s most beloved sporting giants.
Tanzania’s bongo stars are also taking in the pressure. Several top artists, including Harmonize, Zuchu, and Diamond Platnumz, have experienced significant losses in their Instagram followings since the disputed October 29 election.
Meanwhile, international alarm bells keep ringing. The European Parliament is debating whether to halt aid to Tanzania as activists across Africa lobby the ICC to investigate the president’s alleged role in the violence.
ROG Sacco, for now, hopes the new look restores peace with its passengers.
