Ojwang died with unfulfilled wish of meeting Uhuru
Departed comedian Benson Wanjau, popularly known Mzee Ojwang’ Hatari of the Vitimbi television series, kept begging to meet President Uhuru Kenyatta during his last days.
The sad disclosure was confirmed by Mr Wanjau’s colleague, confidant and close companion for over three and a half decades Mary Khavere, popularly known as Mama Kayai.
“Even on his sick bed he (Mzee Ojwang’) kept on saying I want to meet Uhuru, I want to Uhuru…. now that struggling voice that uttered those words is no more.
“Worse still, we will never know what he wanted to tell the President, ” a tearful Ms Khavere said during an interview with Classic 105 FM on Monday morning.
Mr Wanjau died at the Kenyatta National Hospital on Sunday evening while undergoing treatment for pneumonia. He was 78.
He has been in a frail state since the turn of 2015. At some point, he was supported by Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko to get treatment for his failing eyesight.
Wanjau is reported to have been depressed after his contract with the national broadcaster, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, was terminated after more than four decades at the institution.
“Artists in Kenya are really suffering, our Government needs to come up with ways to recognise us,” Ms Khavere added during the interview with the radio station.
Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero led a host of politicial leaders and actors in sending their condolences to Mr Wanjau’s family as well as celebrating his life.