Former Machachari actress Grace 'Mama Bob' Mburu/ SCREENGRAB
Grace Mburu, popularly known by her
stage name Mama Bob from the hit Kenyan television series Machachari,
was a celebrated actress whose warm personality and memorable screen presence
made her a household name.
Mburu gained national recognition
for her role in Machachari, a Citizen TV family drama that aired from
2010 to 2019.
The show followed the lives of
children and families living in Nairobi’s informal settlements, tackling themes
of friendship, hardship, and hope.
As Mama Bob, she played the
role of a caring but firm mother raising her son, Bob, in the midst of life’s
everyday struggles.
Her on-screen child, Bob, was close
friends with Baha and Govi, characters portrayed by Tyler Mbaya and Malik
Lemmy, who went on to become among the country’s most recognizable child
actors.
Grace’s portrayal stood out for its
authenticity, capturing the resilience and humour of mothers in Nairobi’s
lower-income neighbourhoods.
Her natural acting style and
relatable character made her one of the show’s most beloved figures.
Beyond Machachari, Grace
Mburu was known among colleagues as humble, disciplined and passionate about
the craft of storytelling.
Though she largely kept her private
life away from the limelight, fellow actors often described her as a mentor who
encouraged young performers to take pride in their art.
News of her death, confirmed by her
sister and fellow actress Wanjiku Mburu on Tuesday, has been met with an
outpouring of grief from fans and the film community.
Wanjiku revealed that Grace spent
her final moments in Mooi River, 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 a TikTok tribute.
Her death shocked Kenyans who grew up watching Machachari, with tributes pouring in from co-stars and fans alike.
Actor Malik Lemmy (Govi) wrote, “Oh God. This really shocked me. I am
so sorry. May Gracie, Mama Bob, rest in eternal peace.”
While the family has not yet
disclosed the cause of her death, her legacy as one of Kenya’s early television
talents remains firmly etched in the country’s entertainment history.
Grace Mburu’s work on Machachari
reflected the heart of Kenyan storytelling, real people, real struggles and the
spirit of community.
Her contribution to local television
continues to inspire young actors years after the cameras stopped rolling.
