Kenya is mourning the death of veteran KBC broadcaster Charles Omuga Kabisae, whose calm yet commanding voice became a fixture in homes across the country for decades.

The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation confirmed his passing on August 11 after a long illness. His body has been taken to a Nairobi morgue as his family finalises funeral arrangements.

Born in Nyamasaria, Kisumu County, Kabisae began his career at KBC’s Dholuo Service in Kisumu before moving to the Kiswahili Service in the early 1990s, broadening his audience and influence. He became best known for his dignified delivery of Matangazo Maalum na ya Vifo — a role that earned him a loyal following and cemented his place as one of Kenya’s most respected radio voices.

Tributes have poured in from leaders, colleagues, and listeners. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi hailed him as “a familiar and trusted voice across the airwaves” whose “mastery of news delivery and unique style will be fondly remembered for years to come.”

Former KBC presenter Bonnie Musambi described him as “a humble, peaceful soul and a consummate professional,” while former Editors Guild president Churchill Otieno called him “a cultural institution… Now silent, but never to be forgotten.”

Fans on social media also celebrated his legacy, with one writing, “The king of Matangazo Maalum… Sleep well, legend. These veterans inspired many of us to pursue careers in media.”

In a 2020 interview, Kabisae recalled joining broadcasting in the early 1980s, inspired by greats like Leonard Mambo Mbotela and Kazungu Katana. His first stint reading death announcements, he admitted, was “unique and very strange” — yet it became the work for which he was most loved and remembered.