Papa Shirandula (Charles Bukeko), whose acting career was chronicled on various television shows and influences he had in the entertainment industry, passed away on July 18, 2020, at Karen Hospital. In utter disbelief and shock, his wife, who rushed him to hospital with breathing complications hours prior, broke the news to the public. Charles Bukeko’s effortless comical prowess on shows (most popular Papa Shirandula) gave him a certain unique appeal that created his television persona. Papa's death has left his extended family devastated and fans astounded by the sudden turn of events that has robbed one of the most renowned entertainers in Kenya.
Charles Bukeko was Kenya's entertainment industry big-wig, having been there for a long time and experienced so much. His screen antics were loved by many, young and old alike, and behind the scenes, his influence was massive, paving the way for many big stars. That is why his sudden death appalled Kenyans; many people left upset by the unfortunate event.
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Indeed, it has been an extremely difficult ordeal for family, friends, and fans. Such a famous character certainly deserves a great send-off, something prominent. And it happened at his rural home, a preserve of only a select few.
Papa Shirandula burial photos
Charles Bukeko hails from the Luhya community who are renowned for their ceremonious burials. However, times have changed, and with a pandemic creating huge health risks, such events are no more, and for Bukeko, it was a solemn and rather private ceremony.
The event had the regular white-suited medical personnel that fumigated all contaminated surfaces and ascertained everything was safe. Mourners were limited to only close family members, the rest forced to watch the procession at home and through the window if possible.
1. Preparations of the grave
Immediately rural folk heard of Charles Bukeko death, they started preparing the gravesite to adhere to strict government burial regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic period. This meant fast-tracking the digging and foundation-setting up processes to make it ready for the Monday burial.
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And certainly, the burial site was ready on schedule, structured professionally, deserving of the emotional send off the actor's personality demanded. It was perfectly carpeted at the edges and the casket-lowering device already strategically placed, ready for the body.
2. Briefing on health regulations
After Charles Bukeko’s wife confirmed his death, plans were underway for his burial. Shortly after the announcement, on Sunday, a team of Ministry of Health officials and representatives from the county’ COVID-19 response team spent the night with the family members to brief on all health protocols for Charles Bukeko burial.
It was made clear that only close family members were allowed to attend the funeral, and others would be locked out of the compound. They established strategic hand washing and sanitization points at the compound's entrance.
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3. Hearse’s exit from the funeral home
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Papa Shirandula death news was unanticipated; however, subsequent actions had to be undertaken hurriedly to comply with government health regulations during the pandemic.
Papa Shirandula’s body was transported from the funeral home to his home at Namisi-Bukeko village in Nanderema, Funyula in Busia County. The automobile was accompanied by two buses full of mourners.
Since he was a great personality in the media industry, his death was eulogized by many influential people and his procession and burial was under tight security measures. Health officials were mandated to ascertain that all health protocols were adhered to form the point of exit to entry. The body arrived at his rural home in the wee hours of the morning, at around 3:40 am on Monday.
Upon arrival, Charles’s body remained in the hearse as police and health officials kept vigil, ascertaining that locals did not mingle with people from Nairobi. All vehicles were fumigated upon arrival at Papa Shirandula’s rural home.
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4. Preparations to lower the body
Upon arrival, the health officials and security personal were alert and keeping tight security. Everyone else that was not invited to the burial was forced to stay at home as all burial arrangements were made the previous day.
Charles Bukeko was buried according to Luhya customs and traditions. Ordinarily, his body was meant to be taken to the house first before the actual burial, but because of limited time, this could not happen.
The graveside was prepared behind the family's house and next to his two siblings. Also, he was buried facing the homestead compliant with Luhya traditions so as "to guard the family against invaders."
The casket, carried by well-protected poll bearers in personal protective suits, was thoroughly sanitized before being placed on the lowering gadget. The poll bearers were then sanitized to prevent contaminating the gravesite. As all these were happening, mourners expressed their sorrow through religious and traditional songs that are custom with the Luhya traditions.
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5. Separate tents for mourners
If it were during ordinary times, Papa Shirandula’s burial would have had the ideal hype, but the current conditions required a different take. At the family's rural compound, event organizers prepared two tents: one for locals while the other for individuals from Nairobi. This was to adhere to government health regulations and social distancing protocols.
6. Mother eulogizes son
Although it was a short ceremony, Papa's mother brief eulogy stood out, and the sadness in her voice was evident as she wondered how her son perished. Her astonishment at what killed Papa Shirandula was very clear.
Many renowned personalities that could not attend the burial ceremony took to social media to send their condolences and grief with the family of Charles Bukeko. Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) CEO Ezekiel Mutua hailed praises, lauding Bukeko’s immense contribution in the entertainment industry.
They sent out condoling messages that eulogized Charles Bukeko, giving him the ideal send-off that his persona warranted.
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7. Charles Bukeko’s father emotional send-off
As Kenya’s dailies headlines read “Papa Shirandula dead” after confirming the unfortunate news, a father was mourning a son that was the breadwinner at their rural home. His emotional send-off for his son during the private burial ceremony was very touching as he expressed his love for the family’s most prominent member.
8. Wife’s prayer during burial
Beatrice Ebbie Andega, Papa Shirandula’s wife, who broke his husband's death news, gave an emotional prayer at the funeral. She talked of the activities that led to his death with great pain and finalized with a prayer for her husband as he rests in eternal peace.
9. Lowering the body
Charles Bueko’s burial was brief and without numerous Luhya traditions and customs. Shortly after the body was placed on the lowering machine, and after family members expressed their emotions, it was lowered into the grave.
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10. Final send-off
Charles Bukeko’s body was put in the grave at 8:45 am that terminated the burial ceremony attended by family members only. Shortly after this, people were asked to leave the compound while travellers headed to their respective cars ready for transport.
Many people mourned the death of Papa Shirandula, including numerous actors and actresses that he worked with and influenced in his long career. Indeed, many tributes followed for the fallen media giant. Although the burial ceremony was brief, Charles Bukeko will be remembered as one of Kenya’s greatest minds.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
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