Ney Wa Mitego arrested for insulting President Magufuli in new song

Tanzanian rapper Emmanuel Elibariki popularly known as Ney Wa Mitego has been arrested over a song allegedly insulting President John Magufuli.

The rapper, known for his political lyrics, was arrested at a hotel in Morogoro a few kilometres from Dar es Salaam.

The rapper, who was arrested after his show, is being held at Mvomero Police Station, Morogoro Regional Police Commander, Ulrich Matei confirmed.

The Morogoro police commander told local media that the rapper was being held for releasing a song with words that defame the government.

Nay Wa Mitego confirmed his arrest via an Instagram post that read: “It is true I am under arrest. Right now I am being taken to the police station.”

In his song, Nay Wa Mitego raps in Swahili:

“Who are you now? Don’t you want to listen to advice? Don’t you want criticism?” in the song he is addressing someone he calls “a doctor specializing in lancing boils”

“Lancing boils” is a common phrase used frequently by Mr. Magufuli and also whose nickname tingatinga means bulldozer, who ascended to power as a corruption-busting President.

Baraza La Sanaa (BASATA’s) Secretary General, Godfrey Mngereza said this was not the first time Ney Wa Mitego had done ridiculous stuff