Veteran broadcaster Charles Omuga Kabisae takes final bow

By Newsflash Reporter

Kenya’s media fraternity is mourning the death of pioneer broadcast journalist Charles Omuga Kabisae, who passed away on Monday aged 65 after a long illness.

Kabisae, celebrated for his decades-long career at the national broadcaster Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), left an indelible mark on the country’s media industry. In a tribute, KBC hailed him as “a legend whose inspiration runs deep in the mainstream media.”

Renowned for his warm and soothing voice, Kabisae became a household name for delivering obituary announcements with compassion.

He was also widely recognised as the host of Zilizopendwa, a popular show dedicated to golden oldies. His broadcasting journey began in Kisumu as a mother-tongue presenter.

“I remember him as simple, kind-hearted, understanding, and a mentor to those of us who worked with him in the 1990s. Interns who met him at KBC sought to emulate his humanity and professionalism,” recalled media consultant Martin Mwangi.

Born in Nyamasaria, Kisumu County, Kabisae was celebrated among Kiswahili enthusiasts for championing the language’s role in journalism. Broadcast journalist Lofty Matambo praised him as a mentor whose influence inspired many to embrace the craft at KBC.

A mentor and voice of comfort

“Ulituhuisha wengi wetu pale KBC hadi kuipenda tasnia … we owe it to you this far we have come,” Matambo said. In an earlier interview, Kabisae explained that his compassion stemmed from life experiences. “I am a product of the lowly placed … I have known need and want. I have known grief … when tasked with announcing death and burials, I knew I would be dealing with broken hearts. I had to be the angel of hope, faith and encouragement,” he said.

Colleagues fondly remembered his professionalism. Journalist Boni Manyala described him as “renowned for delivering funeral announcements with clarity and grace, becoming a comforting presence for many.” Cartoonist Kenny Kaburu called him “that voice that filled our childhood evenings, now forever silent.” Educationist Odede Owalla Derep-Ruoth noted that Kabisae excelled academically at Muslim Secondary School and Kisumu Boys High School before training at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication in the 1980s. His move to Nairobi marked a turning point as his fame spread nationwide.

Muziki wa Adhuhuri program

Kabisae initially hosted weekend programmes before taking over Muziki wa Adhuhuri. In one unforgettable incident, he announced a death, only for the family to later reveal the person was alive—forcing him to read “resurrection announcements” every ten minutes, a testament to his composure under pressure. Journalist Peter Aowa compared him to broadcasting greats like Leonard Mambo Mbotela and Ali Salim Manga, calling his passing “a loss to the nation and the Swahili language.”

KBC’s Swahili Service paid tribute online, writing: “Pumzika kwa amani, Gwiji Omuga Kabisae” (Rest in peace, Legend Omuga Kabisae). Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi described him as a professional who had left a lasting legacy. “His mastery of news delivery, and particularly his memorable role in presenting the Matangazo Maalum na ya Vifo segment, earned him the admiration and respect of countless listeners.

His dedication to the craft, his unique style, and his commitment to serving the public will be fondly remembered for years to come,” Mudavadi said.