The late actor Charles Ouda, known for his various roles on Kenyan TV and film, was honoured by colleagues, friends and family during a vigil held at the Baraza Lab at Riverside Drive.
The event, streamed live on ‘The Undiscovered Podcasts’’ YouTube channel, was hosted by media personalities and actors Patricia Kihoro and Mugambi Nthiga.
Actress Mkamzee Mwatela began the night by reading Ouda’s eulogy written by Elizabeth Ouda.
In it, his sister told the audience that Charles honed his acting chops by “throwing his siblings under the bus whenever he wanted to get his way” with their parents.
KBC English Service’s Nick Ndeda also paid tribute to the late actor beginning with the story of how they met.
“I admired two things about Charli. I admired how amazing of an artist he is,” Ndeda said emotionally. “But I also appreciate the human being that he is (sic).”
The Director of Mediae Trust, responsible for shows such as Know Zone and Makutano Junction, also paid tribute to the actor calling him “extraordinary” and a “critical valuable partner” in their venture to do entertainment in Kenya.
The CEO of the Kenya Film Commission, Timothy Owase, said that his loss was a loss for the industry that loved him.
“Charles was an incredible actor and we all loved him but God loved him more,” he said.
After urging fellow industry colleagues to support Ouda’s family where possible, he introduced Cabinet Secretary Ministry Of Youth Affairs, Sports And The Arts, Ababu Namwamba.
“I am here on behalf of the government to say poleni sana to the family and friends of Charles and to all creatives who all have benefited immensely from the incredible contribution of the man you simply call Charli.
“As the minister responsible for the creatives I feel a great sense of loss for an incredibly talented young person.
“I have no doubt that Charles would have made an amazing contribution at this important moment by bringing his experience, his creativity to this sector,” Mr Namwamba said.
Tributes from the night were interspersed with music from Eric Wainana and Karimi Rimbui and scenes from some of his recent work including “Crime and Justice” and “Salem.”
Ouda died on the night of February 3, according to his family who called him, in a statement seen by KBC at the time, “a beloved son, brother and friend.”
He was 38.
His body will be cremated today at the Kariokor cemetery.
