Mombasa-based actor Dan Sonko is grieving the passing of his former partner, actress Winnie Bwire, who succumbed to cancer on September 5. Despite their relationship ending in 2023, Dan’s deep connection with Winnie remained evident, and he joined mourners at her requiem mass on September 15 at Deliverance Mt. Zion Church in Mombasa.
Dan Sonko’s Emotional Tribute to Winnie Bwire
Dan Sonko, who had been absent from social media for some time, shared a heartfelt tribute to Winnie, reflecting on the difficult journey they both endured during her illness. He spoke about the conflicting emotions of hope and pain that accompanied her cancer battle, expressing his grief in a touching way.
“Our prayer was she would come out of this victorious, and I guess in God’s own way, this is a form of victory because there is no more pain for her, but there is pain right here. I don’t have anything to say,” Sonko shared. His emotional words highlighted the lasting bond they shared, despite their separation.
Winnie Bwire, who was widely loved and admired, will be laid to rest on September 21 in her hometown of Kholera, Mumias, in Kakamega County.
Why Dan Sonko Ended His Relationship with Winnie Bwire
Dan and Winnie ended their relationship in 2023 after a period filled with dreams for a bright future. In a past interview, Dan revealed that they had been planning to welcome a baby girl, whom they intended to name Diamond. However, their plans were abruptly disrupted when Winnie was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a rare form of breast cancer.
Facing this devastating news, Dan made the difficult decision to end their relationship. It was not due to a lack of love, but rather to protect their well-being and that of their children. “I ended the relationship for Bwire, for me, and for the kids,” Dan explained. The emotional toll of the situation, combined with the uncertainty surrounding Winnie’s illness, weighed heavily on them.
Dan also revealed that part of his decision stemmed from the immense grief he had already experienced after losing his first wife. The thought of losing another partner was unbearable for him. “For me, I was seeing death. I had questions, and I was asking God, this is number two, you want to take away from me, kwani what is going on? It affected me physically and mentally, and it was a strain,” he shared.
The Struggles of Being a Caregiver
During Winnie’s battle with cancer, Dan took on the role of her primary caregiver. While he gave everything he could to support her, he admitted that the toll it took on him was immense. “Being a caregiver is nothing easy. I gave everything I could but at the same time, I was losing myself,” he shared.
Dan also spoke about the impact this experience had on his children. He did not want them to endure the pain of losing a second parental figure after already experiencing loss. “Part of that fear, I extended it to my kids. I have gone through a journey of grief, and they have gone through the same, and I did not want them to go through a second one,” he said.
Dan Sonko’s tribute to Winnie Bwire shows the depth of love, respect, and care he still holds for her, even after their relationship ended. As he continues to mourn her loss, his presence at her requiem mass demonstrated the lasting impact Winnie had on his life.
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