The Kenyan film industry is in mourning following the shocking and sudden demise of renowned actor Charles ‘Charlie’ Ouda, known for his memorable roles in iconic shows like Makutano Junction, Junction Junior, Second Family, and Salem.
Charlie’s family announced his sudden demise through a statement, leaving Kenyans speculating.
The family’s statement, issued on behalf of the Oudas and Ciru Muriuki, appealed to everyone to respect the privacy of the grieving fiancée and the Ouda family during this difficult time.
The statement asked for space to grieve the unfathomable loss, with further details to be provided in due course.
It is now emerging that he took his own life.
Well-placed sources suggest that the actor had been silently battling alcoholism,
Despite his public persona, on the last day he was seen alive, Charlie appeared outwardly okay.
He even attended a party held for the casts of Maisha Magic’s ‘Salem Show before he took his own life. Videos from the event, shared by fellow cast member Jackie Matubia, showed a seemingly joyful Charlie, laughing and enjoying the company of his colleagues, unknowingly on the brink of tragedy.
Jackie Matubia, visibly devastated, took to Instagram to express her profound grief and share memories of happier times spent with Charles.
“My heart is broken, Someone wakes me up, with a candle,” Jackie wrote.
Her posts conveyed disbelief and sorrow, struggling to come to terms with the sudden departure of a colleague with whom she had shared laughter and camaraderie just days before.
In her emotional posts, Matubia reminisced about Charlie’s vibrant spirit and zest for life, emphasizing the disparity between the happy moments captured in the videos and the heartbreaking reality of his untimely death.
“My heart is broken, Someone wake me up, with a candle,” she wrote, echoing the sentiments of fans and colleagues alike who are grappling with the loss.
Charles was 38 years old at the time of his passing, leaving behind a legacy of impactful performances in the Kenyan entertainment industry.
