The Mombasa-based actress Bwire Ndubi, succumbed to breast cancer on 05/09/2024. The untimely death came as a surprise to many as her last video showed marked improvement. Her body is in Turkey where she was undergoing treatment, according to her family.
Her Personal Life
Winnie popularly known as ‘Dida’ was a Coast-based actress who excelled in various artistic fields, including acting, scriptwriting, songwriting, and interior designing. Additionally, she was a serial entrepreneur and a skilled baker.
She appeared on several local TV dramas such as Penzi (Raia TV) and Kisasi and Tehanani on Maisha Magic East. Her big break came when she was featured on KTN’s Kalimani Dynasty and Swahili-telenovela Sultana on Citizen TV.
Winnie Ndubi publicly dated Dan Sonko, a renowned actor and curator who has made a name for himself in regional productions, including the award-winning Swahili series Pete. The two broke up in 2023.
Battle With Cancer
She was diagnosed with cancer over three years ago. Bwire started experiencing swelling under her armpits, something that made her uncomfortable. She thought it was just another common infection. But the pain persisted, leading her to seek professional medical advice.
While speaking at a Citizen TV interview in March, Bwire narrated how she came to terms with the scary diagnosis.
“I was first told by a doctor that there were no cancerous cells. But the pain continued, so I went to a gynecologist who then detected the cancer through a biopsy.”
The Effect on Her Career
The diagnosis also affected her acting career so much that she battled constant anxieties.
“I thought I was going to be fired. I did not think I could continue filming and still receive medication due to the misconception that chemotherapy is traumatic,” Bwire shared.
She said acting gave her a much-needed escape and that the condition worsened after the ‘Sultana’ filming concluded.
A PET scan revealed deep metastasis to her brain, bones, and other organs. Her doctor advised on treatment with a focus on brain cancer since it significantly impacted her balance and coordination. The brain metastases caused her constant headaches, vomiting, and memory issues.
“After wrapping up Sultana, the cancer got worse. The PET scan showed it had spread,” she stated in the tell-it-all interview.
Fund Raising For Treatment
After the diagnosis became public she went on a social media drive to crowd-fund for her treatment. She was seeking Kshs 5 million to seek specialized treatment in Turkey.
Winnie’s last Instagram post was five days ago, about a medical fund appeal for her treatment in Turkey.
“I am failing to caption this because I’m a mess! Not enough thank yous will ever suffice for the sacrifice, support, prayers tears time, and money you have accorded me. Dear Humans, Mubarikiwe sana,” she penned her gratitude.
A Symbol of Hope
Despite the rigorous radiotherapy and stigma associated with the condition, Bwire remained steadfast and leaned on the support of her family and fans.
She often brought the cancer discussions to the camera and her open nature made many connect with her struggle. The top-notch actress remained a symbol of courage and resilience, inspiring many with her strength.
In a heartfelt statement, the family expressed their grief:
“It is with heavy hearts and humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce Winfred Bwire Ndubi lost her battle with cancer on 5th September 2024, while undergoing treatment in Turkey”
Her family made the death announcement in a public statement shared by Citizen TV’s Lulu Hassan.
