Former Machachari actress Grace Mburu, popularly known by her stage name Mama Bob, has passed away.
The news of her death was confirmed on Tuesday by her sister, actress Wanjiku Mburu, who shared an emotional tribute on TikTok.
In the video, Wanjiku revealed that Grace spent her final moments in South Africa, specifically in Mooi River, where she went to lay flowers in her memory.
“South Africa, to be specific Mooi River, and this is where my sister had her last moment. I’m just here to lay these flowers for her. In loving memory, Grace Wangui Mburu,” Wanjiku said in the video.
Grace Mburu’s Legacy
Grace Mburu rose to fame through the beloved Citizen TV family drama Machachari, which first aired in 2010.
The show, produced by Royal Media Services, depicted the lives of children growing up in Nairobi’s informal settlements and the challenges their families faced.
She portrayed Mama Bob, the caring and firm mother of Bob — one of the lead child characters and a close friend of Baha (Tyler Mbaya) and Govi (Malik Lemmy).
Beyond Machachari, Grace was known among colleagues for her humility, discipline, and passion for storytelling.
Fellow actors described her as a mentor who inspired young performers .
Though she kept her personal life private, her presence in Kenya’s entertainment industry left a lasting mark.
Fans and former castmates have taken to social media to share tributes.
