Mzee Ojwangs funeral delayed by unpaid bills

Legendary ‘Vitimbi’ actor Mzee Ojwang Hatari, born Benson Wanjau, will be laid to rest on Wednesday at Nairobi’s Lang’ata Cemetery.

His wife Augustus Wanjiru Wanjau had revealed it was Mzee’s wish to be buried at Lang’ata.

His body was set to leave Umash Funeral Home this morning before proceeding to Lang’ata for the final send off, however, his body was held by the funeral home over unpaid bills.

The bill was later settled and the funeral is set to continue as planned.

Ojwang succumbed to pneumonia on July 12 while at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

Benson Wanjau stared as Mzee Ojwang Hatari on Vitimbi, a comedy show that aired on Kenya Broadcasting Channel (KBC) as one of Kenya’s pioneer actors.

When news of his passing hit social media, Kenyans who grew up watching him mourned his passing and President Uhuru Kenyatta was not left behind.

Uhuru posted a 450-word-long condolence message on his official Facebook page, saying that Mzee Ojwang lived a full life of great artistic accomplishment.

“His role as Mzee Ojwang is unforgettable and iconic. Through it, Wanjau educated, informed and entertained Kenyans with unparalleled dexterity. Without a doubt, family television will not be the same without the promise of Mzee Ojwang regaling the nation with his antics,” read the post.

The President also lauded Mzee Ojwang for blazing the trail for Kenya’s artistic fraternity, adding that his death has dealt the industry a big blow.

“The entertainment industry will grieve a man of simple but ferocious loyalty to his trade, an inspiration and role model to countless aspiring stars, and a pillar of the industry. He also inspired a long line of comedians and actors who seek to replicate his feats,” said Uhuru.

Uhuru commiserated with the family and colleagues of the late actor adding he was grieved that he would not meet the veteran actor at the opening of the refurbished national theatre.

“A great artist has taken his final bow. We salute him. A legendary Kenyan has gone to rest. We wish him a fitting farewell. May God give you the strength to bear his passing, and may his soul find eternal rest in God’s kingdom,” concluded Uhuru.

(Additional reporting by Maureen Murimi)