Nairobi, Kenya- For decades, if you tuned in to KBC Radio Taifa, chances are the calm, steady, and unmistakably commanding voice of Charles Omuga Kabisae was there to greet you. This week, that voice fell silent.
KBC confirmed the veteran broadcaster’s death on August 11 after a long illness. His body now lies in a Nairobi morgue as the family works on funeral plans.
From Nyamasaria to the National Airwaves
Born in Nyamasaria, Kisumu County, Kabisae’s broadcasting journey began at KBC’s Dholuo Service in Kisumu, where his talent quickly stood out. By the early 1990s, he had transitioned to the Kiswahili Service — a move that expanded his audience far beyond the lakeside.
And while he anchored various segments over the years, his name became synonymous with one thing: the dignified delivery of Matangazo Maalum Na Ya Vifo — death announcements and special bulletins that demanded both empathy and gravitas.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi described him as “a familiar and trusted voice across the airwaves,” praising his mastery of news delivery and his memorable role in Matangazo Maalum na ya Vifo.
Former KBC presenter Bonnie Musambi remembered him as “a humble, peaceful soul” and “a consummate professional.”
Churchill Otieno, former president of the Editors Guild, went further: “Omuga Kabisae was more than a broadcaster; he was a cultural institution. His voice was a trusted sound in many homes, a symbol of a bygone era in radio.”
On X (formerly Twitter), tributes ranged from heartfelt to nostalgic. Ken Aseka, editor-in-chief at Kenya Times, called him “the king of matangazo maalum,” while another fan admitted Kabisae’s broadcasts helped spark their own career in journalism.
The Man Behind the Mic
In a 2020 interview, Kabisae revealed his inspiration came from radio greats like Leonard Mambo Mbotela, Job Isaac Muntro, Hassan Madzowa, Steve Desaju, George Opiyo, Abdul Hajji, and Kazungu Katana Jose.
He also shared one unforgettable early-career story — after reading an obituary for the first time, the family of the “deceased” later returned to report that their loved one had… resurrected.
An Enduring Legacy
Colleagues and listeners agree: Kabisae helped shape Kenya’s radio presentation style, setting a high bar for professionalism and authenticity. His voice may be gone, but his influence still echoes through the country’s airwaves.
As Churchill Otieno put it, “Your words shaped Kenya, your wisdom continues to inspire. The legacy lives on.”
