Winnie Bwire: A Mother’s Heartfelt Tribute to Her Only Child’s Struggles and Victories

Winnie Bwire, known for her role as Dida on the popular TV show *Sultana*, tragically passed away on September 5 while undergoing treatment in Istanbul, Turkey. Her death deeply affected her family, friends, colleagues, and fans.

On September 8, her body was flown back to Kenya, and she was laid to rest in her hometown of Mumias, Kakamega County, on September 20. The emotional burial on September 21 drew hundreds of mourners who gathered to pay their final respects to the talented actress.

CHECK OUT:

Body of Bwire Ndubi Airlifted to Kakamega for Burial Tomorrow

During the service, Winnie’s mother delivered a heartfelt tribute, sharing personal stories about her daughter’s life and legacy. She revealed that she, too, is a breast cancer survivor, having fought the disease since 2015. She recalled being Winnie’s caregiver and described her daughter’s childhood as smart, peaceful, and exceptionally organized. Winnie had started acting as early as kindergarten.

However, her mother shared that Winnie had faced bullying as a child due to her dark complexion, often being called names like “Sudanese” or “cheusi.” To help her embrace her identity, Winnie’s parents bought her a black doll from Germany, which helped her build confidence in her appearance. Growing up among five brothers, Winnie learned resilience and how to stand up for herself.

In addition to her acting talent, Winnie was a successful businesswoman. She designed gift and thank-you cards to earn money, made furniture, worked as an interior designer, and even sewed her own clothes. Her mother reflected on Winnie’s presence, saying, “I was blessed with one child, but she brought the joy of ten.”

She also fondly recalled Winnie’s striking beauty, particularly her dark complexion, beautiful eyes, and prominent breasts, which became a point of difficulty later in her cancer journey. Winnie’s battle with cancer began at 14 when she discovered a cyst in her breast. Initially, doctors believed it would resolve itself after childbirth, but it worsened over time. By the time she sought treatment in Turkey, the cancer had spread to her brain, liver, lymph nodes, and stomach.

ALSO CHECK OUT:

Actress Winnie Bwire’s Father Reflects on Her Rest After Her Suffering

In her final days, Winnie had a poignant conversation with God, telling her mother that if she was meant to die, she would accept it, but if she was meant to survive, she was ready to endure the pain. Despite her mother’s encouragement, Winnie passed away two days later.

To honor her daughter’s memory, Winnie’s mother announced plans to establish a foundation to support cancer patients, having already begun paying for NHIF coverage for some patients. She expressed her commitment to raising awareness about the struggles of both patients and caregivers, drawing from her own experience as a survivor and caregiver.

Winnie’s father also paid tribute to her, remembering her as disciplined, detail-oriented, and a trusted friend. He proudly shared that Winnie had played a major role in their family business, serving as the CEO and holding a significant share alongside her mother.