Two Kenyan sculptors, Cleophas Mandela Ondula and Cheryl Nagawa, have unveiled a life-size sculpture of the late Charles Bukeko, famously known as Papa Shirandula. The artwork captures the actor in his signature red security guard uniform, immediately evoking nostalgia among fans.
Mandela, speaking to TUKO.co.ke, described the sculpture as a tribute to the joy Shirandula brought to Kenyan households. “He filled our televisions with laughter and our hearts with warmth. This sculpture is a tribute to the joy he brought us and the memories we’ll cherish forever. For Papa, forever in our hearts,” Mandela said.
The sculpture depicts Shirandula holding a staff under one arm and wearing his red hat, placed near a guard’s gate to mirror his iconic role. Mandela, whose previous works include sculptures of Jomo Kenyatta, Eliud Kipchoge, and Lupita Nyong’o, explained that the project took four months to complete. He typically starts with images, sketches, and a maquette, then models in plasticine before casting in bonded bronze. Larger works can take up to eight months.
Fans have praised the sculpture’s realism. One user commented, “I thought Papa Shirandula had resurrected,” while another suggested placing it at the Kenya National Archives to honour his legacy. The detailed craftsmanship and likeness have impressed viewers, sparking memories of the actor’s career.
Shirandula’s daughter, Chellah, reflected on her father’s impact, sharing images of him with his children and acknowledging the ongoing sense of loss. She highlighted his warmth, laughter, and everyday family moments, noting that his memory continues to shape her and her siblings’ lives.
The sculpture offers a lasting homage to a beloved figure in Kenyan entertainment, preserving Papa Shirandula’s legacy for fans and future generations.
