Celebrities, colleagues, fans and friends of the late Papa Shirandula actor Charles Bukeko are on Saturday, July 18, 2020, in shock following the 58-year-old’s sudden demise at the Karen Hospital following a short illness. Leading the nation in mourning, President Uhuru Kenyatta celebrated the multiple award-winning actor who leaves behind a wife, Beatrice Ebbie Andega and three children as a talented, larger than life creative whose contribution to the entertainment industry will be cherished forever.
A message echoed by his deputy, William Samoei Ruto, who in a tweet stated that Kenya and the arts fraternity had lost a towering personality whose influence will continue to enlighten many. “We are heartbroken by the passing of versatile television star Charles Bukeko ‘Papa Shirandula’. Bukeko was a towering, talented and skilful actor. His electrifying and distinctive performances will continue to enlighten and inspire many generations. We will miss his rich contribution on and off the stage. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bukeko family, friends and the arts fraternity during this sad time. Rest In Peace, Papa.”
Other political leaders including Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho also mourned Bukeko as skilful actor gone too soon. “I am saddened to have learnt of the demise of Charles Bukeko a.k.a Papa Shirandula. He was a talented actor and one whom I also enjoyed watching. A sad loss for our great Nation and the entertainment industry.May the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace.Kwaheri Papa!” Tweeted Musyoka. Bukeko, epitomized hope, reiterated Speaker Lusaka: “Veteran TV star Charles Bukeko aka ‘Papa Shirandula’ pulled himself up by his bootstraps to become a household name. His life story gives hope to thousands of aspiring actors and all those in the performing arts.”
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“It is with great sadness that have I learnt of the death of comedian Charles Bukeko popularly known as Papa Shirandula. The cruel hand of death has robbed the comedy industry an iconic figure whose comedy did not only entertain but was also educative to many generations,” added Oparanya. While Joho noted: “Mombasa mourns the loss of Kenya’s renowned creative artist to grace our screens Mr Charles Bukeko aka Papa Shirandula who passed on this morning at the Karen Hospital. I extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends. May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.”
In a statement by Royal Media Services Group, the media house that played host to Bukeko’s brainchild - Papa Shirandula - for over a decade, and released by its Managing Director Wachira Waruru, the actor’s death was a big loss to all. “On behalf of the Royal Media Services, I wish to convey my sincere condolences to the family and friends of popular TV actor, Charles Bukeko who passed away this morning,” read the statement in part. In the condolence message, Waruru went on to describe Bukeko as a “thespian who was loved in every corner of the country” and as a talented artist who impacted lives and “endeared himself to TV audiences with his natural sense of humour and effortless depiction of typical Kenyan lifestyles.”
The MD noted whilst the actor has passed on, the legacy that he left behind will continue to impact generations: “I received the news of his passing with shock and disbelief. Papa, as he was fondly known within the Royal Media fraternity, represented a pioneering group of Kenyan actors who immensely contributed to the growth and success of local productions,” stated Waruru. “I am honoured to have worked closely with Bukeko in the creation of the Papa Shirandula series that immediately gained wide acceptance across the country. His passing is, therefore, a big loss not only to the Royal media family and Kenya's acting fraternity but also to the country as a whole. His legacy and contribution to Kenya's TV industry will continue to impact many generations to come.”
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For Film Classification Board (KFCB) CEO Dr Ezekiel Mutua, Bukeko captured the Kenyan fabric. "Rest in peace Charles Bukeko alias Papa Shirandula. You were a self-made man who epitomised the joy and optimism of Kenyans,” tweeted Dr Mutua. On other social media platforms, the mood was similarly captured by various personalities and fans who eulogized the actor as a fallen giant:
Rest In Peace Papa Shirandula????????????????????????????????
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Thank u for the smiles u put on our faces ????????????????
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Why?????????? RIP bukeko .tutaonana baadae ????
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