Renowned Kenyan media personality Lulu Hassan recently shared a heartfelt tribute to the late actress Winfred Bwire Ndubi, popularly known as Dida Bwire, who passed away on September 5, 2024, after a brave battle with breast cancer. Dida, best known for her role in the hit TV drama Sultana, was undergoing treatment in Turkey when she succumbed to the illness. Her passing has deeply affected her fans, friends, and the entertainment industry, particularly those at Jiffy Pictures, the production company run by Lulu Hassan and her husband, Rashid Abdalla.
At Dida’s memorial service held at Mount Zion, a gathering of friends, family, and industry colleagues came together to honor the talented actress who had left an indelible mark on Kenyan television. During the service, Lulu shared emotional reflections on her final interactions with Dida, offering a glimpse into the special bond they shared and the poignant gestures that now carry even greater significance.
A Gift with a Deeper Meaning
Lulu recounted the last few conversations she had with Dida before the actress traveled to Turkey for her treatment. “A few days before she went to Turkey for treatment, she repeatedly urged me and mentioned that she and her mother had a gift for me,” Lulu recalled. At the time, Lulu, like many, believed that Dida’s health journey would be a temporary setback and encouraged her to focus on recovery. “I told her to focus on her treatment first and assured her that I would receive the gifts when she returned,” Lulu said.
However, fate had a different plan. Not long after their conversation, Dida made sure that the gifts she had spoken about would reach Lulu. “She wanted to know where I was so she could send the package,” Lulu shared. At that moment, Lulu was at the South Coast but made arrangements to receive the delivery. The package arrived as promised—a box full of gifts from Dida and her mother. It was only later that Lulu would come to realize the deep meaning behind the gesture.
Reflecting on this moment, Lulu noted with a heavy heart that Dida had used the act of sending the gifts as a way to say her final goodbyes. “If I had read that message more carefully, I would have understood that she was bidding farewell,” she said tearfully. Lulu’s words resonated with the audience, underscoring the bittersweet nature of their final exchange and the tragic reality of Dida’s departure.
A Talented Star Gone Too Soon
Dida Bwire was widely celebrated for her remarkable acting skills, particularly in Sultana, where she portrayed characters with depth and grace. Her work earned her a devoted fanbase and made her a beloved figure in the Kenyan entertainment scene. Lulu and Rashid Abdalla, the founders of Jiffy Pictures and producers of Sultana, had worked closely with Dida, recognizing and nurturing her talent throughout her career.
The loss of Dida has left a significant void in the hearts of many, but especially for Lulu and Rashid, who not only saw her as a colleague but also as a cherished friend. The pain of her passing is deeply felt by all who knew her, as evident in the touching tributes that poured in from across the country.
Following Dida’s death, her family released a statement expressing their gratitude for the support they had received throughout her illness. The statement read, “It is with heavy hearts and humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce Winfred Bwire Ndubi lost her battle with cancer on September 5, 2024, while undergoing treatment in Turkey. We thank you all for your overwhelming support, prayers, and generous giving during her treatment.”
The family’s message conveyed not only their grief but also their appreciation for the outpouring of love and generosity that came from friends, fans, and well-wishers during Dida’s treatment journey.
A Lasting Legacy
Dida Bwire will be laid to rest on Saturday, September 21, 2024, in a ceremony that is expected to bring together loved ones and industry figures to celebrate her life and legacy. As her family prepares to bid her a final farewell, the memory of her talent, grace, and kindness will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those she touched.
For Lulu Hassan and the many others who knew Dida personally, the loss is especially profound. Lulu’s reflection on their last interaction serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. “She wanted to leave something behind, and now I understand what she meant,” Lulu shared, her voice filled with emotion.
Dida Bwire’s light may have dimmed, but her legacy will continue to shine brightly in the Kenyan entertainment industry and beyond. Her contributions to the arts, her strength in the face of adversity, and her loving spirit will be remembered for years to come. May she rest in peace.
