We're loading the full news article for you. This includes the article content, images, author information, and related articles.
Eleven years after the Nollywood icon's sudden exit, the industry is still haunted by the "man enough" culture that silenced his struggle with kidney failure until it was too late.

Eleven years ago today, the lights went out for one of Nollywood’s brightest stars. Muna Obiekwe, the brooding heartthrob who defined a generation of Nigerian cinema, died not from a lack of talent, but from a silence that kills too many African men. Today, we look back at the tragedy that exposed the industry's fragile underbelly.
Muna’s death in 2015 from kidney failure was a shock, but the details that emerged later were a devastating indictment of societal pressure. The actor, known for his "bad boy" roles and intense screen presence, had been battling the condition for months, secretly attending dialysis sessions while filming back-to-back movies. He refused to ask for help, fearing the stigma of vulnerability.
His cousin, fellow actor Yul Edochie, later revealed the heartbreaking truth: Muna believed he had to be strong, to provide, to maintain the image of the invincible star. It is a narrative that resonates deeply in Kenya, where men often die of treatable conditions because "toughing it out" is culturally mandated.
To watch a Muna Obiekwe film today is to see a talent that was just scratching the surface of its potential. He brought a raw, unpolished energy to the screen that few have matched since.
As fans across the continent light virtual candles today, the lesson remains clear: The most courageous act a man can perform is not suffering in silence, but asking for help. Rest in Power, Muna.
Keep the conversation in one place—threads here stay linked to the story and in the forums.
Sign in to start a discussion
Start a conversation about this story and keep it linked here.
Other hot threads
E-sports and Gaming Community in Kenya
Active 9 months ago
The Role of Technology in Modern Agriculture (AgriTech)
Active 9 months ago
Popular Recreational Activities Across Counties
Active 9 months ago
Investing in Youth Sports Development Programs
Active 9 months ago