The Kenyan media landscape mourns the loss of Charles Omuga Kabisae, a veteran broadcaster whose distinctive voice and dignified delivery shaped the nation’s radio culture for decades.
Kabisae passed away on August 11, 2025, after a long illness, with his body now resting at a Nairobi morgue as his family prepares for funeral arrangements.
Known affectionately for his iconic "Matangazo Maalum Na Ya Vifo" (special announcements and death notices), Kabisae’s calm yet commanding style made him a household name across Kenya.
His career began in the at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation’s (KBC) Dholuo Service in Kisumu.
Kabisae’s journey took a pivotal turn in the early 1990s when he transitioned to KBC’s Kiswahili Service, expanding his reach during a challenging era for Kenyan media.
Trained at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) in Nairobi , then the sole media training institution in post-colonial Kenya, he was part of a generation of broadcasters who revolutionised rural engagement.
Colleagues and fans alike have expressed their sorrow. Bonnie Musambi, a former colleague from KBC, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, describing Kabisae as a “humble, peaceful soul, and a consummate professional who served with unwavering dedication.”
The KBC fraternity and the broader Kenyan community have extended condolences to his family and friends.
Kabisae’s impact on the industry is profound, with many crediting him for shaping the style of radio presentations, especially in delivering formal and respectful public announcements.
His passing signifies the end of a distinguished career that spanned decades, leaving a lasting legacy that will be cherished by peers, audiences, and future broadcasters who admired his commitment to excellence.