A post-mortem conducted on the body of the late Nairobi Half-Life actor Wilfred Olwenya Maina revealed that the actor succumbed to Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
The results of the postmortem were announced by the family days after the celebrated actor collapsed days ago.
The actor was pronounced dead on arrival at a city hospital on Monday, July 4 - news that caught the attention of many Kenyans across the country.
Although Olwenya is mostly known for his role as Oti in the film Nairobi Half-life released in 2012, he was a star voice-over artist, promoting different brands.
Some of the radio stations he did voice-overs for include Radio Africa group and Radio Jambo. Other movies that Olwenya featured include Stories of our Lives, Taliya and Pendo.
Kenyans joined the family in mourning the sudden death of the actor. Radio presenter Maina Kageni was among the first media personalities to eulogize the fallen thespian as one of the best voices in East Africa, a great actor, and a talented individual.
"We'll miss you here at Radio Africa... among the very best voices in East Africa.... great actor, superb talent!!!! Recalling your outstanding role in the movie Nairobi Half-life... What a game-changer you were, big boss! Rest In Peace," he eulogized.
Olwenya played a journalist in Kenya’s first Netflix drama series “County Queen” alongside other Kenyan actors set to be released on July 15, 2022.
Nairobi Half-life cast took to social media to ask for financial support from Kenyans in a bid to give the thespian a befitting sendoff.
"We, the cast of Nairobi Half-Life, come to our fans with heavy hearts to inform you of the demise of Wilfred Olwenya Maina known as Oti in the beloved film due to a heart condition known as Hypertonic Cardiomyopathy. Our appeal to you is to help us as friends and family to give Olwenya a great sendoff," said Jacky Vike on Instagram.
HCM is a common genetic cardiovascular disease that affects the heart muscle and can be treated through surgery, implantable devices, or medication that can slow down the irregular heart rate.
The heart muscle enlarges (hypertrophy) and restricts the heart from pumping blood to vital organs of the body.
People suffering from this disease can be unaware since it has few known symptoms and can go undiagnosed for a long time.
It's a common genetic cardiovascular disease and some of the symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pains, and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
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