Kenya’s broadcasting industry is mourning the loss of one of its most respected voices, veteran radio presenter Charles Omuga Kabisae, who died on August 11 after battling a long illness. His body has been moved to a Nairobi morgue as his family begins planning for his final send-off.
Kabisae was widely admired for his calm, dignified, and captivating style when delivering special announcements and death notices — famously referred to in Swahili as Matangazo Maalum na ya Vifo. His deep voice, clear delivery, and sense of respect for sensitive news made him one of the most trusted and beloved radio voices in Kenya for decades.
From Kisumu to National Fame
Kabisae began his journey in radio at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation’s (KBC) Dholuo Service in Kisumu. His unique tone and professional approach quickly earned him a strong following among listeners, making his name well-known across the region.
In the early 1990s, he transitioned to the KBC Kiswahili Service, a move that significantly expanded his audience and cemented his status as one of the country’s top radio personalities.
Born and raised in Nyamasaria, Kisumu County, Kabisae came from a region that has produced some of Kenya’s most notable broadcasters. Others from the area include the late Evans Odhiambo Sino, Caleb Odhiambo Akumu, and Omollo Abisa — names that are remembered with respect in Kenyan media history.
The Broadcast That Changed His Life
Kabisae’s rise to prominence came with a remarkable twist during his internship at KBC. On one occasion, he was assigned to announce the death of an individual on air.
As always, he delivered the news with his signature calm and polished style. However, just a few hours later, fresh information revealed that the person in question was actually still alive.
Faced with this awkward and sensitive situation, the family of the “deceased” insisted on a public correction. Kabisae was sent back on air to retract the announcement.
Despite the tension and potential embarrassment, he handled the retraction with such grace, humility, and professionalism that senior KBC managers took notice.
That moment became a turning point in his career, convincing many that he was destined to become one of the country’s greatest radio broadcasters.
A Voice That Defined an Era
For many Kenyans, Kabisae’s voice was more than just a sound on the airwaves — it was a symbol of credibility, trust, and professionalism. In the days before smartphones and social media, radio was the main source of news for households across the country.
Kabisae’s voice was one that families would gather around to hear, whether for breaking news, special announcements, or the day’s key updates.
Over the years, he worked alongside some of Kenya’s most celebrated broadcasters, including the legendary Leonard Mambo Mbotela, who himself passed away on February 5, 2025. Together, they represented a golden era of radio, when announcers were not just voices but national figures who shaped public trust in media.
Kabisae leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, humility, and dedication to the craft of broadcasting. For many in Kenya, his passing marks the end of an era in radio history — one defined by powerful voices that informed, comforted, and connected the nation.
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