Winnie Bwire Ndubi
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The Kenyan entertainment industry has been struck by tragedy with the passing of Winnie Bwire Ndubi, a beloved actress known for her role as 'Dida' in the popular Citizen TV series 'Sultana'.
Ndubi succumbed to breast cancer on September 5, 2024, while receiving treatment in Turkey, as confirmed by her family in a poignant statement. Ndubi's battle with cancer began more than three years ago when she first noticed swelling and discomfort under her armpits. Initially dismissed as a common infection, the persistent pain led her to seek further medical advice. It was during a subsequent consultation with a gynaecologist that a biopsy revealed the presence of cancer. In a March interview with Citizen TV, Ndubi recounted her initial fears upon diagnosis, particularly concerning her role in 'Sultana'.
“It is with heavy hearts and humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce Winfred Bwire Ndubi lost her battle to cancer on 5th September 2024, while undergoing treatment in Turkey.” reads the family statement.
However, she found that her involvement in the show became a source of strength and hope throughout her ordeal. As her condition progressed, Ndubi faced increasing challenges. Following the conclusion of 'Sultana', a PET scan revealed that the cancer had metastasized to her brain, bones, and other organs. The actress described experiencing constant headaches, vomiting, and memory issues as a result of the brain metastases. Despite the exhaustion brought on by rigorous radiotherapy, Ndubi remained resilient, bolstered by the support of her family and fans.
Throughout her illness, Ndubi became an advocate for cancer awareness, using her platform to educate others about the importance of early detection and the realities of living with the disease. Her openness about her struggle not only helped to destigmatize cancer but also provided comfort to others facing similar battles. Despite securing visas for treatment in Turkey, she struggled with financial constraints that delayed her care. In her final public appeal for assistance, she expressed frustration with the high cost of healthcare and the difficulty in making progress against the disease.
"Right now, I'm so frustrated by how expensive healthcare is. Every time I feel like I've made ten steps forward, it's like I'm being dragged back eight steps. Thank you so much for praying for me." she said.
The actress's death has reverberated throughout the Kenyan entertainment industry and beyond with colleagues and fans have taken to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Ndubi. Citizen TV's Lulu Hassan, who worked closely with her, has shared a touching tribute that emphasizes Ndubi's professionalism and the joy she brought to the set.
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Healthcare is a nightmare in Kenya especially if sought in private hospitals. The costs are very high. A simple procedure, if you pay less than 600000.00, you are lucky. There is another trick the doctors are applying. If you are unable to pay, they make you sign an agreement and specify when you have to pay. Usually, you are given a couple days to a week. If you fail to pay, they call the police on you who come so quickly you wonder if they had nothing else to do. The police put you in a cell and after two days, they take you to court. Immediately the courts send you to prison. Since when did our courts act as debt collectors for hospitals? Are there laws that put one in prison and demand full payment of a hospital bill? Why is the process so rushed? Do the doctors and police and the magistrates collude to make patients pay and if they fail put them in jail even before they are fully recovered? Why does the government allow this cruel treatment of its citizens whose only crime is getting sick?
Healthcare is a nightmare in Kenya especially if sought in private hospitals. The costs are very high. A simple procedure, if you pay less than 600000.00, you are lucky. There is another trick the doctors are applying. If you are unable to pay, they make you sign an agreement and specify when you have to pay. Usually, you are given a couple days to a week. If you fail to pay, they call the police on you who come so quickly you wonder if they had nothing else to do. The police put you in a cell and after two days, they take you to court. Immediately the courts send you to prison. Since when did our courts act as debt collectors for hospitals? Are there laws that put one in prison and demand full payment of a hospital bill? Why is the process so rushed? Do the doctors and police and the magistrates collude to make patients pay and if they fail put them in jail even before they are fully recovered? Why does the government allow this cruel treatment of its citizens whose only crime is getting sick? Why do private hospitals treat sick people and cause more trauma to the families? In such an economy as we have today, why in the world should anyone be so cruel? Why are our police and magistrates so happy putting defaulters behind bars so fast while other cases go for years before they are settled? Is there no bail for those who fail to pay the doctors fees? Is this a racket?
RIP Winnie. RIP Dida.