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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 and are grieving with his family. In a statement, Royal Media Services Group Managing Director Wachira Waruru stated that Bukeko’s death was a big loss to the media house that has played host to Papa Shirandula for over a decade.
“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 “towering 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.”
Read Also: Popular TV actor Charles Bukeko alias Papa Shirandula dead – family
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.”
A message that echoed that of Kenya, among others, Film Classification Board (KFCB) CEO Dr Ezekiel Mutua. “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:
