Famed Bongo movie star Steven Kanumba’s father, Charles Kanumba is dead.
The senior Kanumba passed away on March 8 at the Shinyanga Regional Hospital at 10 am after ailing for a long time.
According to reports, Kanumba was suffering from high blood pressure and had a persistent knee problem. In a recent interview, Kanumba said that he was involved in road accidents in 2002 and 2015, with the troublesome knee getting injured in both instances.
He appealed for help from President John Magufuli and Tanzanians to cater for his medical costs.
READ ALSO: Steven Kanumba’s mother faints at his grave on actor's death anniversary
Speaking to Global Publishers, a teary Kanumba said that his appeal had reached Magufuli’s desk but he was told that the president was busy. A journalist he’d earlier on spoken to said that Kanumba needed around Sh1.1 million for knee surgery.
“He sent me several photos asking for financial assistance towards his treatment. The family had not managed to raise the full amount,” she said.
Reacting to news of Kanumba’s passing, his estranged wife Flora Mutegoa said that she’d forgiven him for past mistakes and would even attend the funeral, should well-wishers help her in raising the fare.
Steven Kanumba’s murder
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Actress Elizabeth Lulu Michaels, who was dating Steven Kanumba was jailed for two years after being found guilty of killing him in 2012. The High Court in Dar es Salaam found Lulu guilty of murder after she fatally pushed Kanumba against a wall. On the fateful day, the two reportedly argued after she picked a call from an unidentified man.
The altercation over the call escalated, upon which the deceased was said to have been pushed against the wall and died.
Lulu appealed the sentence and was released in less than a year; she was allowed to serve the remaining term as community service.
The decision did not sit well with Kanumba’s mother, Mutegoa, who said that Lulu should have been locked up for at least a year.
Forgiveness
However, Mutegoa later changed her stance, saying that she’d forgiven Lulu and would even attend her wedding.
“Hapa duniani sina chuki na Lulu kabisa na mimi akili yangu ni moja tu kumuomba Mungu maana yeye ndio anayetoa haki sawa kwa tajiri na hata masikini pia,” she said.
READ ALSO: Steven Kanumba's mother forgives Elizabeth Lulu over son's death
Speaking after Lulu’s release, the late Charles Kanumba urged the actress to go to his graveside for cleansing to have a peaceful life.
“Babu wa Kanumba alinitokea na kuniambia nimkumbushe Lulu atekeleze mambo ya kimila ambayo nimewahi kumwambia tena ya kwenda kaburini kwa Kanumba na kufanya usafi na kumuombea na hapo atakuwa ameondokana na kile kivuli cha marehemu,” he said at the time.
