• The cause of his death remains unknown with the family expected to give detailed information on what transpired.
• Olwenya also worked as a voice-over artist in various adverts.
Image: FILE
Deputy President William Ruto has mourned celebrated actor Maina Olwenya who passed away Monday night after collapsing.
In his message of condolence, the DP remembered Olwenya as a brilliant actor who has exited the stage far too soon.
"I mourn with the family, friends and colleagues. We have lost a genuine talent, a dedicated creative and a good man. Like all great talents, Maina will live on through his work. Safiri Salama," Ruto twitted.
Olwenya, who played Oti in the 2012 Nairobi Half Life film, was pronounced dead at a Nairobi hospital where he was rushed after collapsing.
The cause of death remains unknown but the family, which has called for calm and privacy at this time, will relay more information when ready.
Meanwhile, investigations into Olwenya's sudden death have commenced.
Olwenya also worked as a voice-over artist in various adverts.
He was also the station ID for Radio Jambo, a constituent radio station owned by Radio Africa Limited.
Kenyans also took to social media to mourn the renowned actor.
"Olwenya Maina has passed on! Damn! He was super talented. His role as 'Oti' in Nairobi Half Life was well executed," Twitter influencer Bravin Yuri said.
"I loved all the roles he played. It's just heartbreaking. May his Soul Rest in eternal Peace. We have lost real talent," he added.
"Kenya has lost a worrier in the film industry. His famous movie "NAIROBI HALF LIFE" was massive, it helped shape and changed perceptions of many youth regarding crime and terror and realise how crime destroys lives," Mohamed Juma said.