We've let down heroes like Mzee Ojwang

NAIROBI: One of Kenya's greatest actors and comedians took his final curtain call last weekend, leaving a deep void in the country's theatre scene and TV screens. Billed as the father of Kenyan comedy, Benson Wanjau alias Mzee Ojwang Atari succumbed to pneumonia and marched into the sunset leaving behind an acting legacy that spanned over four decades.

But the iconic figure who graced our living rooms and left us in stitches with his infectious humour and a shrill war cry whenever he was mad at his screen spouse, Mama Kayai, leaves behind an impressive resume that is blemished only by the fact that as a nation we have failed to fully embrace and appreciate our theatre heroes.