Kenya is mourning the death of veteran broadcaster Charles Omuga Kabisae, whose calm yet commanding voice became a staple in homes across the country for decades.
Kabisae, widely known for his dignified delivery of obituaries and special announcements, died on August 11 after a long illness. The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) confirmed the news, saying: “Veteran KBC Radio Taifa broadcaster Charles Omuga Kabisaye has died.” His body has been taken to a Nairobi morgue as his family begins funeralarrangements.
Born in Nyamasaria, Kisumu County, Kabisae began his career at KBC’s Dholuo Service in Kisumu, where his talent quickly set him apart. In the early 1990s, he moved to the Kiswahili Service, a transition that expanded his audience nationwide. He became best known for presenting Matangazo Maalum Na Ya Vifo, a segment that cemented his reputation as one of the country’s most respected radio voices. Charles Omuga Kabisae
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi led tributes, saying: “For decades, Charles was a familiar and trusted voice across the airwaves, leaving behind an enduring legacy in the broadcasting profession. 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, unique style, and commitment to serving the public will be fondly remembered for years to come. May the Lord grant his family strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult period as they prepare to lay him to rest.”
Former KBC presenter Bonnie Musambi described Kabisae as “a humble, peaceful soul, and a consummate professional who served with unwavering dedication.”
Former Editors Guild president Churchill Otieno paid glowing tribute, saying: “What a legendary voice you were for KBC. Now silent, but never to be forgotten. Your words shaped Kenya, your wisdom continues to inspire. The legacy lives on. Rest in peace, Omuga. Your voice echoes forever. Omuga Kabisae was more than a broadcaster; he was a cultural institution. His voice a trusted sound in many homes, a symbol of a bygone era in radio. We celebrate his professionalism, his warmth, and the immense respect he earned from a nation of listeners.”
Fans also took to social media to express their grief. One wrote in Kiswahili: “Nimesikitishwa sana kusikia taarifa za kifo cha ghafla cha mtangazaji maarufu waKenya, Charles Omuga Kabisae. Baadhi ya sauti zilizowasha ari yangu ya uandishi wa habari ni pamoja na ile ya Kabisae, Ali Salim Manga.” Ken Aseka, Editor-in-Chief at Kenya Times, called him “the king of matangazo maalum na matangazo ya vifo pale KBC”, adding: “Sleep well, legend. These veterans inspired many of us to pursue careers in media.”
Kabisae’s influence on Kenya’s broadcasting industry is widely acknowledged, with colleagues and listeners alike crediting him for shaping radio presentation styles. In a 2020 interview, Kabisae said he joined the broadcast media in the early 1980s, inspired by legendary figures such as Leonard Mambo Mbotela, Job Isaac Muntro, Hassan Madzowa, Steve Desaju, George Opiyo, Abdul Hajji, and Kazungu Katana Jose.
He also recalled his unusual first experience as a death announcer. Shortly after shadowing a colleague to read an obituary, the family of the deceased returned to say their loved one had “resurrected” and requested a retraction.
“And I did exactly that,” Kabisae said. “I repeated the message countless times telling relatives of the would-be dead man not to worry anymore since he had resurrected.” Charles Omuga Kabisae leaves behind a monumental legacy in Kenyan broadcasting — a voice that, though now silent, will echo in the memories of countless listeners for years to come.
