The sudden passing of Tanzanian comedian MC Pilipili has plunged the entire East African comedy industry into deep mourning. MC Pilipili, born Emmanuel Mathias, passed away on Sunday, November 16. The cause of his death has yet to be officially announced, though initial reports suggested that by the time he arrived at the General Hospital in Dodoma, he had already passed away. Other reports suggest foul play in his sudden demise with authorities reportedly launching a probe. How did Kenyan celebrities mourn MC Pilipili? Following the news of the comedian’s sudden demise, Kenyan celebrities, particularly those in the comedy industry, have been sharing tributes to honour him.
Pilipili was widely recognised in Kenya for his past performances on Churchill Show. Here are some of the Kenyan comedian who mourned MC Pilipili: 1. Jalang’o Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, was among the first Kenyan comedians to mourn MC Pilipili. Jalang’o took to his social media, sharing a photo of himself and Pilipili posing together in matching suits. The comedian-turned-politician recalled that he had interacted with Pilipili only two weeks before his passing. He wrote: “Life is such a mystery. My brother, your passing truly hurts. Just two weeks ago, you travelled all the way from TZ to celebrate your 40th birthday with me… I still can’t believe you’re gone. Rest in peace, my brother. You will forever be loved and remembered.” 2. MCA Tricky Former Churchill Show comedian MCA Tricky was another Kenyan comedian who paid tribute to MC Pilipili. Tricky shared a stunning photo of the fallen comedian on his Facebook account, accompanied by a heartfelt message: “Rest well my brother MC Pilipili. My deepest condolences to the family, close friends, and the Tanzanian comedy/entertainment industry at large,” he wrote. 3. Churchill Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill, the host of Churchill Show, reminded fans of MC Pilipili’s talent during his appearances on the show. Churchill shared a past performance in which Pilipili explained how he had quit teaching to pursue his dream of becoming a stand-up comedian, inspired by Churchill himself. Churchill captioned the video with a humourous yet sorrowful message: “Rest in Peace MC Pilipili 😢 Tanzanians and Their English Struggles.” 4. Mtu Necessary Comedian Mtu Necessary also reacted to Churchill’s message in the comment section with a moving tribute reflecting on the fragility of life: “We are really struggling for a life that can end any time. Be kind to everyone.” 5. Njoro the Comedian Kenyan-US based funnyman Njoro the Comedian shared his tribute to MC Pilipili on Instagram, expressing his shock and sadness: “I just do not understand this at all. Pilipili lala salama. Katarina, please receive my condolences.”
By DanVictor Munene
