Selemani Bungara, the man behind one of East Africa’s most enduring political catchphrases, is dead.
Bungara, widely known as “Bwege”, was a veteran Tanzanian politician and former Member of Parliament for Kilwa South.
He passed away on Monday afternoon in Dar es Salaam, marking the end of a chapter that encompassed both serious political engagement and the realm of viral pop culture.
He was a figure who could command a rally and, almost paradoxically, become a meme that crossed borders.
Bungara’s brother, Nasri Omari, said the former MP collapsed while awaiting dialysis at EM Hospital.
“He died while waiting for dialysis… his condition suddenly worsened,” Omari told Mwananchi, placing the time of death at around 1 pm, Monday March 30.
The family, he added, is holding private meetings ahead of an official funeral announcement.
For many Kenyans, however, Bungara was more than a politician. He was the face, and voice, of the unforgettable phrase “Olisikia wapi?” (loosely, “Where did you hear that?”), delivered with a mix of incredulity and theatrical flair that turned a routine political moment into internet folklore.
Clips of Bungara, eyes wide, voice rising with rhythmic disbelief, spread rapidly across Kenyan social media years ago.
Tanzania has lost Selemani ‘#Bwege’ Bungara. A courageous member of Parliament for Kilwa Kusini, he faithfully represented his constituents, spoke truth in Parliament, and championed community development. Rest in peace. Your legacy will not be forgotten🕊🙏#ulisikia_wapi. pic.twitter.com/vGCYosrKbf
— Gaspar R.E. Makamba ⚖🇹🇿 (@gas_richardson) March 30, 2026
The phrase became shorthand for calling out absurdity, used in everything from political satire to everyday banter.
In matatus, on TikTok, and in WhatsApp groups, “Olisikia wapi?” lived on, detached from its origin yet inseparable from the man himself.
Yet behind the meme was a seasoned political operator. Bungara had long been active in Tanzania’s shifting political landscape.
Most recently making headlines on February 18, 2026, he defected from ACT-Wazalendo to join Chadema, a move that signalled his continued relevance in opposition politics.
READ ALSO: Selemani Bungara: Meet Tanzanian MP behind ‘uliskia wapi’ viral video
His career was marked by both grassroots appeal and controversy but also by a rare ability to connect.
He spoke plainly, sometimes bluntly, often memorably. That authenticity, allies say, is what made him resonate beyond Tanzania.
News of his death spread quickly across East Africa, triggering a wave of tributes, and, tellingly, a resurgence of the very meme he made famous. The clips resurfaced not in mockery but in homage.
PAY ATTENTION: Reach us at info@gotta.news.
