President Kenyatta, DP Ruto mourn Papa Shirandula

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto have led political leaders in mourning the late thespian Charles Bukeko, popularly known as Papa Shirandula.

President Kenyatta, in his statement, mourned the veteran actor as a gifted storyteller whose contribution to the development of Kenya’s entertainment sector will forever be cherished.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has condoled with the family of popular Kenyan TV comedian Charles Bukeko who passed away earlier today. pic.twitter.com/6j7MGf3Xhy

— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) July 18, 2020

DP Ruto, on his part, commended Bukeko for his talent and skill saying his “electrifying and distinctive performances” 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. pic.twitter.com/gaRI2S4u8x

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) July 18, 2020

Among other political leaders who have since also mourned Bukeko include Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Council of Governors Chair Wycliffe Oparanya and Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka.

Bukeko – a firstborn in a family of four — died on Saturday morning at Karen Hospital after a short illness. He was aged 58.

Bukeko was a multiple award-winning actor who scooped the Kalasha Award for ‘Best Actor in a TV Series’ in 2010.

He leaves behind a wife, Beatrice Ebbie Andega, and three children; Tony, Charlie and Wendy.

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 to watch.A sad loss for our great Nation and the entertainment industry.May the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace.Kwaheri Papa! pic.twitter.com/DdnDQqtdQk

— Kalonzo Musyoka (@skmusyoka) July 18, 2020

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. pic.twitter.com/v8n3acqWiY

— Governor Hassan Joho (@HassanAliJoho) July 18, 2020

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. pic.twitter.com/uy5TVhZBOK

— Wycliffe A. Oparanya (@GovWOparanya) July 18, 2020

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.

— Rt Hon Kenneth Lusaka (@SpeakerKLusaka) July 18, 2020