This archive report was first published on 18 July 2020.
Charles Bukeko, the talented actor behind the popular TV character Papa Shirandula, has left behind a legacy that will continue to impact generations. Born in 1962, Bukeko was a self-made man who epitomized the joy and optimism of Kenyans.
On July 18, 2020, the news of his passing sent shockwaves across the country, with celebrities, colleagues, and fans expressing their grief and condolences to his family. Royal Media Services Group Managing Director Wachira Waruru described Bukeko as a 'towering thespian who was loved in every corner of the country.'
Waruru noted that Bukeko's death was a big loss to the media house that had played host to Papa Shirandula for over a decade. 'I received the news of his passing with shock and disbelief,' Waruru stated. '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.'
Kenya's Film Classification Board (KFCB) CEO Dr Ezekiel Mutua also paid tribute to Bukeko, saying, 'Rest in peace Charles Bukeko alias Papa Shirandula. You were a self-made man who epitomised the joy and optimism of Kenyans.'
