Police confirm Tanzanian comedian MC Pilipili was murdered

The Dodoma Regional Police Force has said preliminary findings indicate that popular comedian and master of ceremonies Emmanuel Mathias, widely known as MC Pilipili, may have died from physical assault.

Dodoma Regional Police Commander Gallus Hyela said police worked with medical experts to examine the body, and the results showed injuries inconsistent with a natural death. He said this prompted the immediate opening of a murder investigation.

“It is true, we worked with medical specialists, and we discovered that the body had marks showing there was a problem consistent with assault. These marks were not normal,” said Mr Hyela. “We have therefore launched an investigation to establish what happened, and we urge anyone with confidential information to come forward.”

According to hospital officials, MC Pilipili’s body was brought to the Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital at around 5pm on Sunday, November 16, 2025. The body was reportedly delivered by good Samaritans.

The hospital’s medical officer-in-charge, Dr Ernest Ibenzi, confirmed they received the body and found that MC Pilipili had already passed away. He said those who brought him in were identified as good Samaritans.

Police have urged members of the public to assist with any information that could help uncover the circumstances surrounding the comedian’s death.