- Papa Shirandula died suddenly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Actress Awinja says they were filming just two days before his passing.
- She believes his death could have been prevented if action was taken in time.
- Awinja says the rushed burial denied them time to mourn properly.
- She blames negligence as the cause of the tragedy.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit the world hard, and Kenya was not spared. One of the biggest blows to the entertainment industry came with the death of veteran actor Charles Bukeko, famously known as Papa Shirandula. His sudden passing was a major shock across the country, especially for those who worked closely with him.
A Final Shoot That No One Knew Was the Last
Actress Jackie Vike, known by fans as Awinja, recently shared the pain she still carries over Papa Shirandula’s death. While speaking to Dr. Ofweneke, she revealed that they had been working together just two days before the tragedy. They were in Karen, on set filming, and there was no sign that it would be their last moment together.
Signs Were Clear, But Help Came Late
According to Awinja, Papa Shirandula had difficulties breathing — one of the known symptoms of COVID-19. Unfortunately, by the time he was taken to Karen Hospital, it was too late. She expressed sadness over the way the situation was handled, saying it could have turned out differently if there had been more urgency and care.
Buried Too Soon, With No Time to Mourn
The pain didn’t end with his passing. Awinja also criticized the way the burial was rushed. Due to pandemic rules at the time, the late actor was laid to rest in haste, with family and friends given very little time to mourn or celebrate his life. She says that part still hurts her deeply, years after his passing.
A Sad Ending That Could Have Been Prevented
Awinja believes negligence played a role in the loss of a legend. She says the mishandling and slow response to his health condition is something that shouldn’t have happened, especially to someone who meant so much to the industry. Her story stands as a painful reminder of how the pandemic exposed weaknesses in emergency care.
Legacy Lives On, But Pain Remains
While the late Papa Shirandula’s legacy continues to shine through his work and the lives he inspired, those who knew him closely — like Awinja — say they will never forget how things unfolded. To them, it wasn’t just a death — it was a preventable tragedy that took away a national treasure.
