Catherine Kasavuli's Son Narrates Her Last Moments at the Hospital

A collage of Catherine Kasavuli's son Martin Kasavuli during the funeral service on Thursday January 12, 2022
A collage of Catherine Kasavuli's son Martin Kasavuli during the funeral service on Thursday January 12, 2022
Citizen Digital

The funeral service of veteran journalist Catherine Kasavuli on Thursday, January 12 in Nairobi was laced with moving tributes from family, friends, and politicians. 

On his part, her son, Martin Kasavuli could not help but reminisce on his mother's last moments at the hospital.

According to Martin, his mother was ever jovial despite being in severe pain due to the medication and treatment.

He began by narrating the strong mother-son bond he had since his birth noting, "You knew her as Catherine but I knew her as a mum, and 40 plus years she became my best friend. We formed a special bond since the day I was born."

According to Martin, his mother wanted him to join the media industry an idea he did not fully agree with.

Martin Kasavuli at Catherine Kasavuli's requiem mass at Friends Church, Ngong Road
Martin Kasavuli during Catherine Kasavuli's requiem mass at Friends Church, Ngong Road on Thursday, January 12, 2023.
Kenyans.co.ke

At one time the two had a disagreement when Martin told her not to mention his name during an interview. Kasavuli however argued that she wanted people to know her son.

Martin, nicknamed Tati, described his mother as a jovial, stylish, and accommodating person. He noted that on several occasions, he met strangers in his mother's hospital room.

"My mum used to make people so comfortable at the hospital and on many occasions, I found strangers in her room whom she would pray for," he stated.

"Even as cancer robbed her of her health, her infectious smile was always on her face when I visited her at the hospital," he added.

Martin also recalled telling her about a career switch, "When I visited her at the hospital, I told her about my job in security and she asked, 'things are that bad umekua watchman' I told her no, I was in virtual security."

He went on to imitate his mother by pretending to anchor the 1 pm news while engaging the congregation. Overwhelmed by emotions, he was unable to finish his tribute.

"Please take an active role in the women in your life as long as cancer screening is concerned," Martin advised men.

"I genuinely thank you all for coming. I appreciate the emcee for making us laugh during this tough time. My mum would have liked that because even when we did not have much growing up, we always had laughter," he concluded.

A photo of late journalist Catherine Kasavuli at the hospital, her son Martin Kasavuli (left) and Sports CS Ababu Namwamba in 2022.
A photo of late journalist Catherine Kasavuli at the hospital, her son Martin Kasavuli (left), and Sports CS Ababu Namwamba in 2022
File

Kasavuli's 90-year-old mother described her as her best daughter. She appreciated all those present and everyone who chipped in to help Kasavuli.

"To all those who are here, may God bless you, and may he provide for you so you can provide for your children," her mother stated.

"Mimi napenda nyama sana, Catherine alikua ananiombea nyama kwa baba yake. She was my best daughter (I love meat, Catherine used to get me some meat from her father. She was my best daughter)," she added.

Kasavuli who was battling cancer died on December 29, 2022, news that broke the hearts of the family and the nation at large.

Her funeral service was held at the Friends International Centre Ngong Road and was attended by family, friends colleagues in the media industry as well as  Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah and Narc Party leader Martha Karua.

They were joined by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba who delivered condolence messages from President William Ruto.  

She was described as an excellent swimmer who loved sewing.

Kasavuli was praised for her efforts in mentoring the new generation of journalists. Her short stint at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) was seen as a way for the 'queen of TV' to interact with the audience again.

"When she came back she stated 'I am back home and I am ready to do good'. Katherine trained many people while at KBC," narrated KBC acting Managing Director Samuel Maina. 

Azimio Principal Martha Karua assured Martin that he was not alone during the difficult moment. She appreciated all those that took care of the journalist while in the hospital.

"She always wore a smile while at the hospital despite being in a lot of pain," Karua narrated.

Additionally, veteran journalist Jimmy Gathu recognised Kasavuli's efforts in grooming him in the media industry. He narrated how Kasavuli taught him to use a microphone in the studio.

Kasavuli died aged 60.

Catherine Kasavuli
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) News Anchor Catherine Kasavuli.
Twitter/Catherine Kasavuli
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