Winnie Bwire Ndubi, the actress best known for her role as Dida in the TV show Sultana, has sadly passed away due to complications from cancer while undergoing treatment in Turkey.
Her family confirmed her passing in a statement on Thursday morning, expressing their sorrow and gratitude for the support they received: “It is with heavy hearts and humble acceptance that we announce Winfred Bwire Ndubi lost her battle with cancer while undergoing treatment in Turkey. We thank you all for your overwhelming support, prayers, and generosity.”
Bwire had been fighting metastatic breast cancer for the past two years. In December 2023, she made a public appeal for financial assistance, aiming to raise Ksh.7 million for specialized medical treatment abroad. In her plea, she reflected on the unpredictability of life, noting how quickly things can change from a moment of joy to facing unexpected challenges.
The actress sought the help of well-wishers, emphasizing the high cost of treatment and sharing that her family had exhausted all available resources in covering her medical expenses.
In an interview with Citizen TV’s Lulu Hassan, Bwire opened up about her journey with breast cancer, revealing that she initially dismissed early symptoms such as hand swelling and fatigue, attributing them to work-related stress. She also shared her fears about potentially losing her role as ‘Dida’ in the Sultana series, due to the misconception that chemotherapy is an overly traumatic process.
Her passing comes just weeks after she made a final appeal for financial assistance, seeking Ksh.5 million to cover the costs of her treatment, including accommodation and meals during her stay in Turkey. On August 14, Bwire posted what would become her last video on social media, where she explained that her treatment had been progressing well until she began experiencing severe side effects.
“If you can support me, I have nothing to give in return, but you will save my life. I didn’t want this video to be emotional—I wanted it to be filled with hope,” she said in the heartfelt video.
Winnie Bwire Ndubi’s courage and determination throughout her battle with cancer have left a lasting impact on her fans and the entire entertainment industry.
