The County Government of Mombasa has announced an ambitious plan to carry out free cancer screening for residents across the county.

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the screening will help residents be able to detect cancer at an early stage so that they can commence treatment immediately before it is too late.

The county boss was speaking during the memorial vigil for the late Winnie Bwire alias Dida in the famous Swahili telenovela series ‘Sultana’ who passed away while undergoing cancer treatment in Turkey.

The event hosted at the Little Theatre Club brought together renowned thespians and artists across the country that all came to pay tribute to the late Dida.

"As we are all aware the cancer awareness month is coming up, I am glad to announce to you that the County Government of Mombasa will soon announce a series of free cancer tests to all,’ said Nassir.

The governor urged residents to take advantage of the free screening and testing as a precaution measure to help curb the disease he said has claimed many loved ones.

“Sometimes it is important to be cautious and know your status before so that we can all now be able to curb this menace that has hit a number of people at an alarming rate. Cancer is not something we can joke around with,” Nassir said.

He described the late Dida as a person who loved and was dedicated to her craft and touched the lives of many along her path.

Dida succumbed to cancer last week after battling the decease for close to five years.

"The crowds that are here is a manifestation of who Winnie was. All these people would not be here if the person we are honoring today was not a person who had an impact in many people’s lives,” he said.

The governor also promised to set up a youth studio at the Little Theatre Club to honor the memory of the departed thespian.

Nassir said that while he was Mvita Member of Parliament, he and his team had hatched a plan to set up the studio to nature talents. But, the idea never materialized.

"I am pleading with management of Little Theatre Club to bring back theatre to where it was before. I hereby also want to task the youth mentor Mr. Mahmood Noor and my CECM for youth and sport Ken Ambani to reach out to Little Theatre Club to see how we can turn a conversation around and make a lasting impression that will honor Winnie,” Nassir said.