Machachari actress, Grace Mburu(centre) with her sister/ TIKTOKFormer Machachari actress
Grace Mburu, popularly known by her stage name Mama Bob, has passed
away.
The news of her death was announced
on Tuesday by her sister, actress Wanjiku Mburu, through her TikTok page.
Wanjiku shared several photos of
herself and Grace, accompanied by a brief caption that read, “And then?
Rest, my dear sister, rest.”
She later posted an emotional video
paying tribute to her late sister, revealing that Grace spent her final moments
in South Africa.
“South Africa, to be specific Mooi
River, and this is where my sister had her last moment. And I’m just here to
lay these flowers for her. In loving memory, Grace Wangui Mburu,” Wanjiku said
in the video.
Grace Mburu rose to fame through the
beloved Citizen TV show Machachari, which first aired in 2010.
The family drama series, created by
Royal Media Services, focused on the lives of children growing up in Nairobi’s
informal settlements and the challenges their families faced.
She played Mama Bob, one of
the mothers in the community whose son, Bob, was close friends with Baha and
Govi, portrayed by Tyler Mbaya (Baha) and Malik Lemmy (Govi).
Through her role, Grace helped
portray the everyday struggles, humour, and resilience of Kenyan families,
earning a special place in the hearts of viewers across the country.
News of her passing has left fans
and former castmates in shock.
Members of the Machachari
cast have continued to share their tributes online, with actor Malik Lemmy
(Govi) writing, “Oh God. This really shocked me. I am so sorry. May Gracie,
Mama Bob, rest in eternal peace.”
Kenyans also joined in mourning the
actress, celebrating her contribution to local television.
“Rest well Grace Mburu ‘Mama Bob’ wa
Machachari. Your impact on screens, and inspiration to the young in the
field will last for a very long time,” wrote X user Majimaji.
“We, Mama Baha and Govi, will miss
you,” another tribute read.
Voice with Nimoh said, "This is so sad. May you find comfort Wanjiku. We are praying for you and the Machachari family."
"May her soul rest in peace,
take heart I know it is not easy, but all shall be well,” Nicky said.
The Machachari series aired
its final episode in September 2019, marking the end of nearly a decade of
storytelling that shaped a generation of young Kenyan actors and viewers alike.
The family has yet to announce the cause of Grace Mburu’s death.
