Actress Winnie Bwire’s hopeful last moments
By Elizabeth NgigiThe entertainment industry is mourning the loss of Sultana actress Winnie Bwire, who passed away on September 5, 2024, while undergoing treatment for breast cancer in Turkey.
Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news, sharing a statement that expressed their grief.
“It is with a heavy heart and humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce Winfred Bwire Ndubi lost her battle with cancer on 5th September 2024 while undergoing treatment in Turkey,” the statement read.
“We thank you all for your overwhelming support, prayers, and generous giving during her treatment. We will share more details in due course. God bless you all.”
Bwire who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, had spent the last two years raising awareness about the disease while bravely battling its effects.
Throughout her journey, she remained vocal about the struggles she faced, particularly the financial burden of treatment.
In her final video, shared on social media, Bwire acknowledged the kindness and support she had received from her fans and well-wishers.
“Dear human. Thank you for making this possible and giving me a fighting chance. I choose to focus on the good. Doctors are working on my treatment plan. Illness is not waiting for anyone. I love you all and keep giving whatever you can. I will come back home victorious,” she said.
The actress revealed that her health had taken a turn for the worse, with fluid accumulating in her lungs. In the same video, Bwire spoke candidly about the mental and physical toll of battling cancer.
“I have been going through a hard time. I had promised to give an insight into what a cancer patient goes through, but sometimes it’s too extreme to film,” she shared.
While she initially responded well to medication, she said that she eventually experienced severe side effects.
In August, Winnie Bwire opened up about the overwhelming costs of her cancer treatment in an interview with journalist Lynn Ngugi,
“Where NHIF could not, the family came in because the current stage I am in is called target therapy. It is a crime to be sick in this country because the medication is so expensive. Every 21 days I require one hundred thousand.”