Veteran radio broadcaster Charles Omuga Kabisae passed away after a long illness.
He died on August 11, and his body has been taken to a Nairobi morgue while his family makes funeral arrangements.
Kabisae was renowned for his dignified delivery of death announcements and other special announcements (Matangazo Maalum Na Ya Vifo), particularly on the radio.
Veteran broadcaster began his career at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation's (KBC) Dholuo Service in Kisumu.
His distinct voice and style earned him a large following, and he became a household name. In the early 1990s, he transitioned to KBC's Kiswahili Service, which further expanded his audience and solidified his reputation as one of Kenya's most respected broadcast voices.
A native of Nyamasaria in Kisumu County, a region known for producing talented broadcasters, including the late Evans Odhiambo Sino, Caleb Odhiambo Akumu, and Omollo Abisa.
He later moved to KBC’s Kiswahili Service, where he became more prominent and established his reputation as one of the country's leading radio personalities.
Kabisae's radio career began with a memorable twist during his internship. He was tasked with announcing the death of a person, a job he performed with his characteristic poise.
However, just hours later, news arrived that the individual was still alive.
The affected family insisted on a public retraction. When Kabisa returned to the airwaves to correct the mistake, his composure and professionalism were so impressive that they caught the attention of the station's top management.
Riding on his phenomenal voice, Kabisae became a trusted news source for many at a time when radio was one of the most widely consumed sources of news, predating the smartphone era.
He worked alongside veteran broadcasters, including the late radio legend Leonard Mambo Mbotela, who died on February 5, 2025.
