Kenyan media mourns the death of veteran broadcaster Omuga Kabisae
The media fraternity is mourning the death of pioneer broadcast journalist Charles Omuga Kabisae who died on Monday after a long illness at the age of 65 years.
Kabisae, remembered for his decades-long career at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), left a lasting imprint on the country’s media landscape.
In a tribute, KBC described Kabisae as a legend whose inspiration runs deep in the mainstream media.
Known for his warm, soothing voice, Kabisae was most famous for reading obituaries with a humane touch.
He also hosted Zilizopendwa, a popular programme featuring golden oldies. He began his career as a vernacular presenter in Kisumu.
“I remember him as simple, good-natured, understanding, and a teacher to those of us who worked with him in the 1990s. Those of us who found him at KBC during our internships strived to emulate his humanity and professionalism,” said media consultant Martin Mwangi.
Born in Nyamasaria, Kisumu County, Kabisae was celebrated by Kiswahili language enthusiasts for elevating the language’s role in journalism.
Broadcast journalist Lofty Matambo hailed Kabisae as a mentor who inspired many at KBC to love the craft.
“Ulituhuisha wengi wetu pale KBC hadi kuipenda tasnia… we owe it to you this far we have come,” Matambo said.
In a past interview, Kabisae said his compassion for people shaped his career.
“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.
Many colleagues and admirers recalled Kabisae’s professionalism.
Journalist Boni Manyala described Kabisae as renowned for delivering funeral announcements with clarity and poise, becoming a trusted and comforting voice for many.
“That voice that filled our childhood evenings, now forever silent,” said cartoonist Kenny Kaburu.
Educationist Odede Owalla Derep-Ruoth said Kabisae hailed from a respected family and excelled academically at Muslim Secondary School and Kisumu Boys High School before training at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication in the 1980s.
Kabisae’s move to Nairobi marked a turning point as he gained national recognition. He initially handled weekend programmes before hosting Muziki wa Adhuhuri.
In one memorable incident, he read a death announcement only for the family to later report the person was alive, forcing Kabisae to make “resurrection announcements” every 10 minutes – an episode that showcased his adaptability and composure.
Journalist Peter Aowa likened Kabisae to other broadcasting greats such as the late Leonard Mambo Mbotela and Ali Salim Manga, terming his death a loss to the country and the Swahili language.
KBC’s Swahili Service also paid glowing tribute to Kabisae online.
“Pumzika kwa amani, Gwiji Omuga Kabisae (Rest in peace, legend Kabisae),” the national broadcaster said.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Kabisae had left 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, his unique style, and his commitment to serving the public will be fondly remembered for years to come,” Mr Mudavadi said.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.