Dodoma – Tanzanian police have confirmed that the popular master of ceremonies and comedian Emmanuel Mathias Matebe, professionally known as MC Pilipili, was murdered by unidentified assailants in Dodoma.
The police, through Assistant Commissioner William Mwamafupa, announced on Wednesday that initial investigations, conducted with health experts, determined that MC Pilipili died after being attacked in various parts of his body.
Mwamafupa stated that the police force is continuing its investigation to identify all those involved, after which legal procedures will follow.
Timeline
- Sunday, November 16, 2025 (circa 3:00 PM): The death occurred and was confirmed at Ilazo Health Centre in Dodoma. The tragic news first circulated on this day after the family publicly addressed the incident.
- Sunday, November 16, 2025 (circa 2:00 PM): An hour before his death, MC Pilipili’s assistant, Hassan Ismail, received a phone call from an unknown person requesting a meeting. Shortly after, three unknown individuals arrived in a small white car and handed over MC Pilipili, who was in a serious condition, before driving away.
- Hospital Confirmation: Dr Ernest Ibenzi, the Medical Officer in Charge of Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital, confirmed that MC Pilipili was brought to the hospital already deceased.
Veronica Mathias, the deceased’s sister, spoke to reporters in Dodoma, explaining that she was only informed that her younger brother was injured and was unaware of the full circumstances leading to his death.
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She mentioned they had heard he was coming to Dodoma for a wedding to perform as an MC, though she did not know the location or where he was staying.
According to Veronica, those who went to the hospital were told he had been murdered and that his body had dark, black patches/bruises on his back. This aligns with police findings that he had been attacked in various parts of his body.
The murder of Emmanuel Mathias Matebe (born October 1, 1985, in Dodoma), a figure who gained significant fame and influence in Tanzanian society for his comedy, emceeing, and talent for imitating famous voices, has deeply shocked the nation.
The incident has provoked strong emotions among Tanzanians, partly because it follows a series of similar attacks on citizens by “unidentified people,” with some victims even being completely disappeared.
This climate has fuelled public fear and uncertainty over personal safety, with many urging security organs to intervene and stop such acts of violence.
MC Pilipili is survived by his wife, Phinomena (Cute Mena), whom he married on June 29, 2019, and their one child.
