Kenyans, leaders mourn passing of TV comedy icon Mzee Ojwang’

The final curtain has fallen on the life and career of legendary TV entertainer Benson Wanjau Karira, popularly known as Mzee Ojwang’ Hatari.

For more than three decades, Mzee Ojwang’ entertained television audiences in various comedy shows, including "Vitimbi" and "Vioja Mahakamani".

His wife, Augustus Wanjiru Wanjau, said Mzee Ojwang’ succumbed to pneumonia on Sunday, at about 8pm.

“People loved him so much. They would stop him on the streets and he would stand to talk to them. But I would usually keep walking and head on to wherever we were going because it took a while for him to chat with his fans,” she said.

Ms Sally Wanjiru Kimani, Mzee Ojwang’s younger sister, clarified that Mama Kayai was the actor’s on-screen wife, but the two were not married in real life.

“Ever since news of Mzee Ojwang’s death broke, people from the diaspora have been calling to give condolences to Mama Kayai, asking for her address and number. I just want them to know that it was just a character she was playing and Augustus Wanjiru Wanjau was his real wife,” she said.

Kenyans and leaders from across the political divide used social media to send their condolences to the actor’s family and friends and to eulogise him.

Retired President Daniel arap Moi described Mzee Ojwang’ as an entertainment legend.

“I personally knew Ojwang’ for decades as a man with an in-depth understanding of social justice issues, which he presented with edgy humour and witticism. He aroused hearty laughter even amongst the most cynical. I thoroughly enjoyed his performances,” he said.

ODM leader Raila Odinga sent his condolences through Twitter. “I am saddened to learn of the unfortunate demise of veteran comedian Benson Wanjau (Mzee Ojwang’ Hatari) of Vitimbi,” he said.

Suspended Lands, Housing and Urban Planning Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu said: “Mzee Ojwang’ worked hard for years to keep us entertained. Thank you for the million laughs you gave us. Rest in peace, Mzee Benson Wanjau.”

PERSONAL LOSS

Former Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi said Ojwang’s demise had robbed the country of an entertainment icon and mentor.

“For many years, Wanjau made our lives tolerable through his rib-cracking rendition that mirrored the ordinary lives of many Kenyans. He entertained both the mighty and the lowly. I mourn the personal loss as Wanjau was a constant at the annual Vihiga Cultural Festival.”

Radio presenter Fred Obachi Machoka, one of his long-time friends, said: “Mzee Ojwang’ was a simple man who made an important contribution to our society”

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua wrote on his Twitter feed: “Rest well my friend Mzee Ojwang’. I treasure your cameo appearance in Cobra Squad and the many moments we had. Keep the heavens laughing.”

Although he played a garrulous character on TV, his widow said that as a family man, Mzee Ojwang’ was a quiet and loving father, husband and grandfather. He was a calm person but on some occasions, his short temper would flare. However, she said he knew how to control it.

“It’s usually the quiet ones who have tempers,” she said. “But it passed just as fast as it came”.

And when he had had something to drink, he would crack his family up with his humour.

She said Mzee Ojwang’ was extremely fond of his grandchildren, Philip Mwaura, a Standard Six pupil, and Bernard Wanjau, a KCSE candidate this year.

It has been about two years since Mzee Ojwang’ last appeared on screen.

In March, he received treatment for failing eyesight and the government at the time waived his medical bill at KNH.

His attempt to go back to acting were frustrated by pains in his knees.