Kenyan thespian, writer and lecturer David Mulwa dies after long illness, aged 80

Celebrated Kenyan thespian, writer and university lecturer David Kakuta Mulwa has died at the age of 80 after a long battle with illness. He passed away yesterday, Dec. 5

Mulwa had been admitted to the ICU at a Nairobi hospital late last month after suffering what appeared to be a minor stroke.

While receiving treatment, he experienced a cardiac arrest on 26 November, and doctors worked to stabilise him as he continued essential dialysis for long-term kidney failure, which he had managed since 2016.

Despite intensive care, Mulwa suffered a second cardiac arrest on Friday, leading to his death.

"He fought bravely, and we remain deeply grateful for your generous contributions, prayers, and unwavering support throughout this difficult time. We kindly ask for your continued prayers and support as the family prepares for the days ahead. Further updates will be shared in due course," shared a family member.

His passing brings to an end a towering career in Kenyan theatre, literature and academia, and marks the loss of one of the country's most influential creative educators.

His death brings to a close a monumental career that shaped generations of actors, writers, academics and cultural practitioners across Kenya.

Widely regarded as one of the country's most influential theatre educators, Mulwa leaves behind a legacy etched into classrooms, stages and the pages of Kenyan literature.

For decades, he taught at Kenyatta University, where he moulded hundreds of performers and scholars with a blend of rigour, warmth and humour.

Former students often spoke of his unmatched mentorship.

Their reverence was on full display during a moving reunion at his Ruai home a while back, where alumni spanning five decades gathered to honour the man who had shaped their professional and artistic lives.

Mulwa's impact extended far beyond the lecture hall.

David Kakuta Mulwa (Left), with some artists and students he had inspired at his home in Katani on July16, 2022.[Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Some of the notable productions Mulwa has played in, over the years, include Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, Kongi's Harvest by Wole Soyinka, Muntu by Joe De Graft, and Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again by Ola Rotimi, and Dedan Kimathi by Kenneth Watene.

He has also had roles in big-screen productions like Born Free, To Walk with Lions, Kolor Mask, and Ingolo wa Keya's The Baisikol.

His memorable books include Buriani (Oxford), The Inheritance (Longhorn), and Redemption (Longman, now Longhorn), which have been secondary school set books at one point or the other. His other titles include, We Come in Peace (Oxford), and Master and Servant, which have been translated into Russian (Longman).

Mulwa had a Master's Degree in Theatre Arts from the University of California at Los Angeles, graduating in 1973, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nairobi, where he graduated in 1969.

He did his 'A' Levels at Alliance High School and before that Mukaa Intermediate School.