This archive report was first published on 18 July 2020.
Celebrated Actor Papa Shirandula Passes Away ¶
Kenya's acting fraternity and Royal Media Services family are in mourning following the death of Charles Bukeko, popularly known as Papa Shirandula, on Saturday at the Karen Hospital.
Although not much of his life is publicly known, Bukeko was born to a humble family in Buhalarire, Mumias, Western Kenya, to Valeria Makokha and Cosmas Wafula.
He attended Jogoo Road Primary School and later Upper Hill Secondary, where he developed a love for football. However, he eventually drifted away from the sport and developed an attachment towards acting.
During an interview in 2010, Bukeko recalled having to trek to the Kenya National Theatre to hone his talent, often without a coin in his pockets.
He met his first director, Dr JPR Ochieng' Odera, in 1998, and later trained with James Falkland, who was impressed by his skills and trained him for three years at no charge.
When asked about his character Papa Shirandula, Bukeko said, "It was a concept that was researched so seriously. Wachira Waruru (Royal Media Services Managing Director) was among the guys who were brainstorming the whole thing. It was a concept that was brought out of what we go through every minute as Kenyans."
He added, "Papa Shirandula is a different character from Charles Bukeko. Papa eni mjuaji ametoka ushago amekuja tao kutafuta job. He's a good, honest person, it's just that because of the hardship we go through as Kenyans all the time that this guy wants to get out of that level and into a very good life."
Bukeko's comical role earned him a Kalasha Award for 'Best Actor in a TV Series' in 2010, propelling him to greater heights. He went on to travel the world, appearing in adverts and creating concepts for big brands like GOTV, Coca-Cola, and Vodacom.
He was also named Goodwill Ambassador for South East Asia and was married to Beatrice Ebbie Andega, with whom he had three children.
