‘Jastorina’ actress dies after winning Kalasha Award

Nairobi, Kenya: Only hours after Nancy Nyambura Kanyanya was awarded the Best Lead Actress in TV drama at the Kalasha Awards, she died.

When her award was announced, a member of the Jastorina TV show crew took the award on her behalf. “Nancy is not here with us this evening. She is sick in hospital and I can only ask for your prayers so she may feel well,” said her colleague, in a staccato that sent the hundreds of guests in a sombre mood.

Many watched her act as a housemaid who took all the abuse, slander and bad treatment from her boss. Yesterday, moments after the news of her death broke, many went to her Facebook page and left messages of condolences. Beside Jastorina, she played on the courtroom drama Mashtaka.

Nyambura died at the Kenyatta National Hospital where she had been admitted with meningitis. She leaves behind two children.

The Kalasha Awards, which came back to life after a two-year hiatus, was held at the National Museums of Kenya on Friday night. Gilbert Lukalia emerged the Best Director for Strength of a Woman. Telly Savallas roped back from an overseas sojourn to become the Best Actor in his role in the film The Marshall of Finland.

Savallas beat Gerald Langiri of House of Lungula, Maina Olwenya of Pianful Pricks, Maaoru Njogu of Tamed, Petere King Mwania of Ni Sisi and Ryan Mbatia of Simiyu Simurayi 2. “I am so happy with this award. But the new comers in the trade must get a little more serious,” he said of his colleagues. Savallas recently survived a near fatal motorcycle accident that left him disabled and permanently scarred.

First timer Jacky Kaboi took away the Best Supporting Actress and gave an emotional acceptance speech. She dedicated the award to her first ever theatre director. “He told me Jacky you are so pathetic, why don’t you try selling kales in a kiosk?”

Sports, Culture and the Arts Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario exuded confidence that with a vibrant Film and TV industry, Kenya would realise increase in tourism revenue by showcasing the natural beauty of the country globally.

Wario said the National Film Policy document is currently in the final stage of being enacted into law.

“The policy aims to create an enabling, legal and institutional environment for all film industry stakeholders, both local and international, to conduct their business,” he said at the event.

No explanation was given for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s failure to grace the event.

The event also started one hour late and had many guests leaving before the end of the presentations. Wario himself left before the end of the event.