End of an era: Mzee Ojwang passes on

Veteran actor Mzee Ojwang died Sunday at the Kenyatta National Hospital. (Photo:File/Standard)

Nairobi, Kenya: Kenyan actor Benson Wanjau alias Mzee Ojwang died Sunday evening at the Kenyatta National Hospital where he had been admitted.

Mzee Ojwang is said to have been suffering from Pneumonia.

The actor who has played key roles in local programmes Vitimbi, Vioja Mahakami, Vituko and Kinyonga among others had disappeared from Television screens for a long time, leaving his fans questioning his whereabout.

Vitimbi comedian Mzee Ojwang entertains residents of Banda Ra Salama in Chonyi division Kilifi district during Chonyi sports and cultural festivals at St. Teresas secondary School grounds on September 23, 2006. (Photo:File/Standard)

Kenyans on social media immediately took to twitter with outpouring condolence messages to the late comedian, whom many recognized from childhood:

@Kevin_teya: Mzee Ojwang has passed on. Sleep well mzee, you made us laugh tangu utotoni.

@ogaobinna: Mzee ojwang hatari is dead. He succumbed to what is said to be pneumonia today 8pm at the Kenyatta national hospital where he had been rushed earlier.

@Barasapaul: RIP #MzeeOjwang . Thank you for 'putting some color' on the iconic GreatWall black and white TV where I saw you.

@jameskarimi_: Sunset it is for one Mzee Ojwang. RIP great actor and pioneer of local programming in Kenya.  #RIPOjwang.

Mzee Ojwang playing his comic role in this undated picture. (Photo:File/Standard)

 

Vitimbi actors Mzee Ojwang and Mama Kayai entertain Kenyans during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium in 2013. (Photo: File/Standard)