This archive report was first published on 18 July 2021.
On July 18, 2021, the entertainment industry lost a beloved figure, Charles Bukeko, also known as Papa Shirandula. A year later, his castmates and friends came together to celebrate his life and legacy in an emotional event held at Pride Azure hotel in Nairobi.
The event was attended by several celebrities, including Jalang'o, Jacqueline 'Wilroda' Nyaminde, Jacky 'Awinja' Vike, Kenneth 'Njoro' Gichoya, and Captain Otoyo, who shared fond memories of their time with Papa Shirandula.
"A day like this last year A father figure and a mentor Papa Shirandula passed on! Today we celebrate him! Today we share his life! Time flies!! A year is gone! Keep resting!! I decided to go for this soldier look to celebrate the soldier he was," Jalang'o said.
Awinja also shared her thoughts, saying, "A day like today 18th of July we lost our beloved Charles Bukeko AKA Papa Shirandula and here we are today to celebrate him, I've had anxiety this whole week just thinking about our event today, but as they say, time heals."
Other cast members, including Daisy Netia, who played Papa Shirandula's daughter Naliaka, also paid tribute to the late actor on social media.
Papa Shirandula's impact on the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. He played the role of a stereotypical security guard living the daily hassle and bustle familiar to a majority of Kenyans, and his portrayal contributed to the transformation of acting in Kenya from a low-paying job to a successful one.
Almost all of Papa Shirandula's cast members have since become well-known, appearing in ads, hosting radio shows, and amassing fortunes.
