This archive report was first published on 20 July 2020.
On July 20, 2020, a somber farewell was held for veteran actor Charles Bukeko, popularly known as Papa Shirandula, at his home in Nanderema, Busia County. The burial took place just two days after his passing at the Karen Hospital in Nairobi, where he had tested positive for COVID-19.
According to his wife, Beatrice Andega, the hospital staff allegedly delayed in attending to him on July 18, 2020, which she believes contributed to his untimely death. "They didn't consider his condition an emergency and he died while we were at the waiting bay," she said.
However, the actor's father, Cosmas Bukeko, denied reports that his son died from COVID-19 related complications. "I'll travel to Nairobi and together with his wife, we shall engage a lawyer to get proper information from the hospital," he said.
Public health officials, following Ministry of Health body disposal guidelines, were present at the burial, which was attended by close family members only.
