Zora actor 'Simba' appeals to Uhuru, Ruto after losing three family members

Actor Ryan Mwenda aka Simba. [Instagram]

Child actor Ryan Mwenda, widely known as Simba from TV series "Zora," has taken to social media to make a heartfelt plea to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the current Head of State, President William Ruto, to assist his family in laying their departed loved ones to rest.

In an emotional video shared on his Instagram, a tearful Ryan explained that three family members tragically lost their lives in a fire that engulfed their home on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in South B area, Nairobi.

"My name is Ryan Mwenda, aka Simba from Zora. I am 16 years old. I am the nephew of Jackline Kawira, cousin to Tamyra Karimi, and a close friend to their nanny, Doris Kinya. On Saturday, the 2nd of March, in South B estate, I lost them all in a tragic fire that burnt down their entire house," he said.

Ryan pleaded with the former and current heads of state to provide financial assistance to his already devastated family, to help give their late loved ones a dignified send-off.

"It's such a devastating time for me and my family, and I am humbly appealing to my friends, the fourth president of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, and the fifth president of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, to come to the aid of my family and me during this difficult time to assist us in giving them a befitting send-off," he added.

Sharing his anguish with his fans on social media, the actor recently called upon God to grant him strength as he attempted to envision their final moments, crying out for help.

"Sad! On Saturday night, I lost three members of my family. Loving Auntie Jackie, my beloved cousin Tamyra, and Auntie Kinya, their house help. I am devastated. It's unbelievable how these three lives were lost in an inferno... I cannot imagine the cries and the shouts you made calling for help in vain... Tamyra, our youngest cousin, I am sorry no one listened to your cries... It is not well at all! Lord, help me. Lord, remember my Grandma at this moment."

The passing of the three individuals comes as a heavy blow to Ryan's family, as they had only recently mourned the loss of their grandfather, Sir Henry Ntongai Smith, who passed away just five months ago.

"My namesake, my Grandpa, you have left us so soon... I am pained. Rest well, my Grandpa, Henry Ntongai Smith. In our hearts, you remain forever."

"I still remain steadfast as Ryan, aka Simba, and listen to an inner voice in me that's always telling me... 'Simba, your best days are ahead! Simba, you will overcome! I give tough battles to my strongest soldiers!' Lord, my prayer to you is to bring those bright days closer to me. Show your face, Lord. I know in your appointed time, you make everything better and beautiful. When God speaks, all other speakers become noisemakers! Over to you, God," he wrote.