Veteran KBC broadcaster Charles Omuga Kabisae. /HANDOUTThe country is mourning the death of veteran KBC broadcaster Charles Omuga Kabisae, whose calm yet commanding voice became a staple in Kenyan homes for decades.
News of his passing was announced by the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, which stated: “Veteran KBC Radio Taifa broadcaster Charles Omuga Kabisaye has died.”
Kabisae died on August 11 after a long illness. His body has been taken to a Nairobi morgue as his family makes funeral arrangements.
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 shift that expanded his reach beyond his original audience.
He was best known for his dignified and unique delivery of death announcements and other special bulletins, famously referred to as Matangazo Maalum Na Ya Vifo.
His distinctive style earned him a loyal following and cemented his place as one of the country’s most respected radio voices.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi led the 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."
The Prime CS said Kabisae's dedication to the craft, his unique style, and his 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 remembered him as "a humble, peaceful soul, and a consummate professional who served with unwavering dedication".
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire KBC fraternity. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Former President of the Editors Guild, Churchill Otieno, paid glowing tribute: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Kabisae’s contribution to Kenya’s broadcasting industry has been described as monumental, with colleagues and listeners alike acknowledging the influence he had in shaping radio presentation styles.
"Nimesikitishwa sana kusikia taarifa za kifo cha ghafla cha mtangazaji maarufu wa Kenya, Charles Omuga Kabisae. Baadhi ya sauti zilizowasha ari yangu ya uandishi wa habari ni pamoja na ile ya Kabisae, Ali Salim Manga," a fan wrote on X.
"The king of matangazo maalum na matangazo ya vifo pale KBC. Sleep well, legend. These veterans inspired many of us to pursue careers in media," Editor in chief at Kenya Times, Ken Aseka, said.
In a previous interview in July 2020, Kabisae said he joined the broadcast media in the early 80s after he was inspired by other veteran broadcasters who came before him.
“When I was young, I really wanted to be a broadcaster because I used to envy the broadcasters of that time like Leonard Mambo Mbotela, Job Isaac Muntro, Hassan Madzowa, Steve Desaju, George Opiyo, Abdul Hajji, Kazungu Katana Jose and so many others of that time,” he said.
During that interview, Kabisae said his first stint as a death announcer was unique and very strange.
He said shortly after shadowing a colleague in reading an obituary, the family of the deceased returned saying their loved one had resurrected.
They wanted him to retract the death announcement.
“And I did exactly that. I repeated the message countless times telling relatives of the would-be dead man not worry anymore since he had resurrected,” he said.
