- Winnie Bwire, known for her role as Dida on the TV show Sultana, passed away while receiving treatment in Istanbul, Turkey
- Her body was flown back to Kenya and arrived at Moi International Airport in Mombasa on September 8
- Her passing has reignited calls for the government to make cancer treatment more affordable and accessible in Kenya
Winnie Bwire, popularly known for her role as Dida on the TV show Sultana, passed away on September 5 while receiving treatment in Istanbul, Turkey.
Her untimely death has left her fans, family, and fellow artists in deep sorrow.
Winnie Bwire's body arrives in Kenya for burial
On Sunday, September 8, Winnie’s body was flown back to Kenya, arriving at Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
READ: Winnie Bwire's heartbroken father shares pain of losing his daughter
The sombre occasion saw her family, friends, and fellow artists gather to receive her. Many praised her remarkable talent and her keen sense of beauty, remembering her not just as an actress but as a beloved member of the creative community.
"Winnie was a furniture maker, she was a baker and a musician. She was such an inspiration to young people," Winnie's father said.
After the arrival, her body was taken to Pandya Mortuary, where her family paid their respects. They are now preparing for her final journey to her home region in Matungu, Kakamega county. The funeral is scheduled for September 21.
READ: 'Sultana' cast pays emotional tribute to fallen co-star Winnie Bwire
Mr Ndubi shared the courageous story of how his daughter fought cancer until her final breath.
"For us, as a family, we can say it is good she has rested. For those who may not know, Winnie has suffered a lot. She was a strong person and put up a brave face and people never knew what she was going through. She never cried during the tough time, but she suffered quite a lot. God decided the best way was for her to rest. We thank God for having given us Winnie. She was also an inspiration to us as parents, but now that she has gone, we pray God can place her soul in eternal peace," he said.
He thanked Winnie's friends for standing with the actress and financially supporting her.
Calls for affordable cancer treatment
Winnie Bwire's passing has reignited calls from the creative industry and the public for the government to make cancer treatment more affordable and accessible in Kenya.
Many Kenyans cannot afford to travel abroad for specialised care, leaving them vulnerable to late-stage diagnoses and limited treatment options.
At the airport gathering, creatives from across the country expressed their frustration with the current state of cancer care in Kenya. They urged the government to prioritise making treatment affordable for all citizens, not just those who can afford to seek care overseas.
READ: How to honour life & legacy of 'Sultana' actress Winnie Bwire Ndubi
One of the main concerns raised was the high cost of cancer treatment in Kenya, which remains out of reach for many.
The creatives called on the government to invest in better healthcare facilities, provide subsidies for treatment, and ensure that all Kenyans have access to timely and effective cancer care.