Papa Shirandula, whose real name is Charles Bukeko, died on Saturday morning in what the family linked to COVID-19.
His family said he passed on at Karen Hospital where he was rushed for emergency treatment after experiencing breathing difficulties. “He died on arrival in the hospital even before he could be admitted,” his brother-in-law Charles Wanyama said, “he had been in his rural home in Western Kenya where he fell ill. He had tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, and even went into isolation but his condition was worsened on Saturday when he started having breathing difficulties.
The country, having watched Papa Shirandula over the years, was shocked upon hearing the news. During his burial, Kenyans as usual, went on to air their views. Here are a few of them.
Yaani this #COVID19 has disrupted the African way of burying our beloved ones. Seeing papa laid to rest at 8am at his home in Busia is just sad. He could have received a better send off.
Shine your way papa#RIPPapaShirandula pic.twitter.com/1cmcqr0WsU
— Egline Samoei (@EguarEglin) July 20, 2020
Comedian Papa Shirandula died inside his car waiting for hospital admission, his wife Beatrice Andega says. PHOTO | ISAAC WALE#RIPPapaShirandula #RIPCharlesBukeko pic.twitter.com/4crCjoYNbN
— Kenfrey Kiberenge (@KenKiberenge) July 20, 2020
Still in shock with Papa's untimely death #RIPPapaShirandula pic.twitter.com/IJLNJTmM5D
— Sudi (@Sudi_Micha) July 19, 2020
He entertained us for so long…#RIPPapaShirandula pic.twitter.com/X3tWOzpcsi
— eckra namu ?? (@EckraNamu) July 18, 2020
Journey Well Papa Shirandula#RIPPapaShirandula pic.twitter.com/hkVoZ5hPjT
— Anyamah Douglas (@danyamah) July 18, 2020
https://twitter.com/LONEXBA/status/1284467881359572993