Former “Papa Shirandula” actor Jacky Vike, also known as Awinja, has revealed a fascinating aspect of her life—her possession of a remarkable collection of over 30 “Kamisis,” each meticulously tailored for different roles she undertakes.
Beyond her iconic television presence, exuding a rustic and vintage charm, Awinja is a versatile and widely recognized online comic, leaving an enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
Initially rising to fame for her role as a housekeeper in the renowned Citizen TV comedy series, “Papa Shirandula,” Awinja’s talents transcend the television landscape. Apart from her memorable stint on “Papa Shirandula,” she has made significant contributions to Kenyan cinema, featuring in notable productions such as “Nairobi Half-Life” and “Click Click Bang.”
Her success in the comedy genre continues as she collaborates with some of the most successful Kenyan comedy movies and drama series.
Awinja shared the inspiration behind her unique collection of “Kamisis,” explaining, “I started including ‘Kamisis’ because I wanted to embody that primitive girl from the village. ‘Kamisis’ had a certain vibe back then. I began developing that character. I now own approximately 30 of them, in various colors and designs, including both full and half-length ones. I prefer not to disclose where I purchase them from.”
When discussing her fashion choices, Awinja emphasized, “The contrast determines the color choice. If I’m wearing a green dress, the petticoat has to be a different color.”
Despite her on-screen transformations, Awinja’s true character has resonated with her most significant fan—her son. She revealed that her son admires her acting persona and often watches her videos online. “My son is like, oh my God, Mum? But sometimes he calls me Awinja, and sometimes I catch him watching my videos on YouTube.”
During the interview, Awinja took a moment to reflect on the painful loss of their father in the entertainment industry, the iconic Charles Bukeko, known as Papa Shirandula.
She described the challenge of coping with his passing and how it brought the family closer. “Losing our dad was incredibly difficult. He was the one who brought us together, and we used to spend so much time as a family. We felt like we didn’t mourn him adequately, especially since he passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic. Everything happened so quickly, and we struggled to come to terms with it.”
