In the past few years, the Kenyan film industry has experienced rapid growth with an increased number of productions playing a key role. Other factors that have contributed to the improvement of this industry are the rise of local talent and the growth of the local market, as well as intense government support. As such, this progress has attracted international interest, thus reaching a wider market. As a result, the Kenyan TV and movie industry has made an impact not only within the country but also across the world.
Nevertheless, the success of the movie industry would not have been possible without the commitment and determination of local actors who played their roles. From the days of Tausi and Vitimbi to the modern era of Family Vacation (on Netflix) and Country Queen, the actors have contributed significantly to Kenya’s movie industry.
Unfortunately, throughout this period, Kenya lost some of its top talent in different ways. Although they passed away, these actors left an impact on the industry, and their legacies live on to date.
Papa Shirandula (Charles Bukeko)
Charles Bukeko, popularly known as Papa Shirandula, was a Kenyan actor who featured in a number of TV films for many years. Apart from the Papa Shirandula show, Bukeko appeared in The Constant Gardener, Malooned, and The Captain of Nakara.
During his time as an actor, Charles nurtured some of the big names in the film industry, including Kazungu Matano, Felix Odiwour, Jacque Vike, Shix Kapienga, and Jackie Nyaminde. Sadly, he died on July 18, 2020, after experiencing breathing complications. He is still remembered as one of the best actors in Kenya’s movie industry.
Mzee Ojwang (Benson Wanjau)
Benson Wanjau, alias Mzee Ojwang, is one of the pioneer actors in Kenya. He was among the first actors to feature on the KBC show, Darubini, in the early 1980s. This show was later renamed to Vitimbi. He was known for his humor while imitating the Luo accent, although he was a Kikuyu.
His acting career spanned 40 years. Mzee Ojwang died on July 12, 2015, at the age of 78. Benson Wanjau’s legacy still lives on.
Winnie Bwire Ndubi (Dida—from Sultana)
Winnie Bwire, famously known as Dida, was a top actress in Kenya’s modern era. She debuted in the film industry in 2014 on the ‘Penzi’ series. Throughout her young career, she also featured in a number of TV shows, including Kilimani Dynasty, Kisasa, Tehanani, and Sultana, among other films.
Unfortunately, Winnie Bwire Ndubi died, succumbing to cancer in September 2024. Her impact on Kenya’s movie industry lives on.
Maureen Wanza (Sasha—from Sumu)
Maureen Wanza was popularly known as Sasha thanks to her role in the local hit show Sumu. Apart from Sumu, Maureen made an appearance in the Moyo TV series.
She died in 2017 while giving birth. Her baby also died during the process.
Jamal Nassul Gadafi (Baba Junior on KTN)
Jamal Nassul Gadafi was famous for his role in the Junior show on KTN. In the show, he portrayed the role of Junior’s (the lead actor) father. In addition to his appearance in the KTN show, Jamal also featured in the local TV court drama, Vioja Mahakamani. Here, he played the role of a judge.
Jamal passed away in 2018 after succumbing to knife wounds. He was stabbed during a party in a hotel in Syokimau, Machakos County. His death remains mysterious to date.
Ben Maurice Onyango (Othuol Othuol)
Ben Maurice Onyango, well known as Othuol Othuol, was not only a talented actor but also a top standout comedian in the country. He made appearances in several TV shows, including ‘Auntie Boss’ and ‘Serkali ya Bibi,’ to name a few. Additionally, he featured in the Churchill comedy show for a few years.
Despite his stardom, the actor struggled with alcoholism. After several years of struggle with a brain tumor, Othuol Othuol died in October 2020.
Gibson Gathu Mbugua (Vioja Mahakamani’s Prosecutor)
Gibson Gathu Mbugua was well known for being a no-nonsense prosecutor in the Vioja Mahakamani show on KBC. He played this role for several decades.
The Vioja Mahakamani prosecutor passed away in December 2022, just a few months after undergoing a kidney transplant. Gibson Gathu is still considered one of the best actors in Kenya’s film history.
