Veteran radio presenter Mohammed Juma Njuguna dies

Renowned veteran radio presenter and soccer commentator Mohammed Juma Njuguna has passed on.

He died on Saturday morning at a Nairobi hospital where he had been admitted after a long illness.

Even though details on his ailment remain scanty, some reports indicate that the journalist has been battling with diabetes and high blood pressure.

President Uhuru Kenyatta his deputy William Ruto and former VP Kalonzo Musyoka are among the leaders who sent messages of condolence and encouragement to the family, relatives and friends of Mohammed.

Uhuru described the highly decorated radio journalist as a refined broadcaster and a trailblazer who used his role in the mass media to inform and entertain Kenyans, especially through his moving football commentaries.

“We are filled with grief and a deep sense of loss. Mohammed was an outstanding journalist. He was a good and inspiring figure in the media industry, and a great mentor to upcoming journalists,” the President eulogised.

“At this moment of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with Mohammed Juma Njuguna’s family, relatives and friends.”

His voice has been synonymous with soccer commentary over the years and the famous soccer commentary phrase “Kadenge na mpira” has long been associated with him.

His sterling career which dates back to the early seventies saw Mohammed mature in broadcasting from a qualified radio presenter, TV producer, Newscaster and Soccer Commentator of the highest calibre.

Mohammed started his career with the then Voice of Kenya (VOK), now Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, (KBC), in 1970 as a radio producer before becoming a news editor.

He was later seconded to BBC London where he was attached to the BBC Swahili Service for three years.

Until his death, he was a lead broadcaster in the Swahili Service at Royal Media Services, the parent company of Citizen TV, Citizen Radio, and thirteen vernacular stations.

He received a Head of State Commendation (HSC) in 2010, in recognition of his exemplary contribution to broadcasting and soccer commentary.

He will be interred at Kariokor Muslim Cemetary at 4 pm today as per Islam traditions.