Omuga Kabisae: Veteran Broadcaster Dies, Kenyans Mourn Him
- Charles Omuga Kabisae will be remembered for his distinctive voice on the radio when he used to deliver death and special announcements
- The departed media personality started his career at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Dholuo in Kisumu
- His death was announced on Tuesday, August 12, with a source close to the family confirming the cause
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The media industry has lost a true icon with the death of Charles Omuga Kabisae.
Source: Youtube
He was a veteran radio broadcaster known for his distinctive voice and remarkable career.
What's Omuga Kabisae's cause of death?
Kabisae, who had an extensive tenure at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), died after a prolonged battle with illness, according to a source who spoke to TUKO.co.ke.
"He was ill," the source said.
The sad news was made public on Tuesday, August 12.
Kabisae became a household name in Kenya, particularly admired for his exceptional news reporting and his ability to deliver sensitive announcements, including death notices and special broadcasts.
He was especially well-known for his role in delivering matangazo maalum and matangazo ya vifo (special and death announcements), an aspect of broadcasting that he carried out with unmatched professionalism and dignity.
Charles Omuga Kabisae's career
A popular X account, Dholuo Dictionary, previously profiled the veteran broadcaster.
He began his career as a news and death/special announcement anchor for KBC Dholuo (Kisumu) before shifting to KBC Kiswahili in the early 1990s.
He attended Muslim Secondary School before transferring to KMC in the late 1970s/early 1980s.
He was born in Kisumu County, Kisumu East Sub-County, and Nyamasaria.
The news of his passing has drawn tributes and condolences from fans and colleagues on social media.
@kachwanya:
"Sad to hear about the death of veteran radio broadcaster Charles Omuga Kabisae. RIP."
@Rowdycharli:
"So heartbreaking."
@stewartdemich:
"Rest easy."
@JosephM54046842:
He is a veteran. May his soul rest in eternal peace."
@CalistusManyon1:
"May his soul RIP."
When did Leonard Mambo Mbotela die?
Another KBC veteran broadcaster who legacy can't be forgotten is the late Leonard Mambo Mbotela.
According to his family, Mbotela died on Friday, February 7 at 9 am.
The celebrated journalist passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind an incredible legacy of trustworthy and outstanding journalism.
Source: UGC
Mbotela is survived by his wife, Alice Mwikali, and their three children: Aida, Jimmy, and George Mbotela.
Leonard Mambo Mbotela's legacy
Mbotela dedicated decades to the state-owned Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
His program "Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?" became a beloved fixture on KBC, engaging audiences by addressing and critiquing various societal issues.
Additionally, he was renowned for his lively commentary on football and national events, securing his place as one of the country’s legendary journalists.
Mbotela’s journey began as a trainee reporter at Kenya Weekly News, before he moved to The East African Standard.
In 1964, he joined KBC, then known as Voice of Kenya, where he became a full-time employee.
His remarkable career has been celebrated by many, as Kenyans come together to honour his contributions and pay tribute to him.
Journalists who've died this year
Apart from Omuga and Mambo Mbotela, the media industry has lost several journalists so far this year.
Celebrated journalist Nick Mudimba died on March 23 after collapsing at his Syokimau home, just after watching a Harambee Stars vs Gabon match.
Mudimba, who previously worked at KTN and Radio Africa, died when he was working for the international media house, CGTN.
Mudimba left behind a nine-year-old daughter and a heavily pregnant wife.
Rasna Warrah, a renowned writer, succumbed to cancer on January 11. Rasna worked at Nation Media Group, the Mail, the East African, The Elephant and also the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
Fredrick Parsayo, a young, promising journalist, was found dead at his home in Kinoo on March 21. He was working at KBC at the time of his death.
Another renowned radio personality, Edward Carey Kwach, passed away on April 28, after weeks of battling meningitis.
His radio journey took him through some of Kenya’s most prestigious stations: Capital FM, Kiss FM, EA FM, Nation FM, Homeboyz Radio, Urban Radio in Kisumu, and Spice FM before his death. Kwach died aged 52.
Caren Nyota, HoD Entertainment, added a list of journalists who've died this year.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
