For a man watched by millions of Kenyans on their screens, Papa Shirandula loved his privacy and did not enjoy being at the center of the limelight.
So private was he that the identity of his kids was only revealed during his burial.
In an interview with Churchill, his widow Beatrice Bukeko has opened up on their marriage. According to her, she knew he was serious from the start.
‘I KNEW HE WAS SERIOUS BECAUSE ALL HIS SIBLINGS WERE MARRIED, SO HE SAID IT’S TIME HE ALSO SETTLED DOWN.
But it was not a bed of roses as they lost four babies/pregnancies before they finally got their firstborn.
‘IT TOOK SOME TIME BEFORE WE SETTLED.
BY THE TIME WE GOT OUR FIRSTBORN IN 2006 WE HAD LOST FOUR BABIES. IN 2007 WE HAD OUR SECOND BORN AND IN 2009 IS WHEN WE HAD OUR LAST BORN.
SHE WAS BORN A MONTH OR TWO BEFORE OUR WEDDING. IN DECEMBER 2009 WE FORMALIZED OUR MARRIAGE.’
Asked on how she met the celebrated thespian, Beatrice responded,
‘I MET HIM IN 2004 WHEN HE WAS JUST VISITING SOME FRIENDS AND PASTORS AROUND THE AREA WE USED TO LIVE.
WE STARTED MEETING AND TALKING AND ONE TIME HE APPROACHED ME THROUGH THE PASTOR AND THE RELATIONSHIP TOOK OFF FROM THERE.’
Papa Shirandula succumbed to Covid-19 at the Karen Hospital after developing breathing difficulties.
May he continue resting in peace.