Nyamasaria-born Charles Omuga Kabisae, a distinguished voice of Kenya’s airwaves, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, after a prolonged illness. His remains have been transported to a Nairobi mortuary as the family begins funeral preparations.
Known affectionately for delivering “Matangazo Maalum na ya Vifo” (special death and condolence announcements), Omuga’s solemn tone and precise delivery made his voice a trusted companion in times of loss, long before digital communication became ubiquitous.
Omuga began his broadcasting journey with KBC’s Dholuo Service in Kisumu, gaining visibility through his coverage of obituaries and special announcements.
In a pivotal moment during his internship, he mistakenly announced the death of someone who was, in fact, still alive. Asked to return on air to issue a retraction, his calm and professional handling of the situation earned him praise from management—and paved the way to a full-time role.
In the early 1990s, Omuga made the transition to KBC’s Kiswahili Service. His migration helped broaden his listener base and firmly anchored his place among Kenya’s most beloved radio personalities.
Omuga’s career alongside luminaries like Leonard Mambo Mbotela left an indelible mark in broadcasting. Following his retirement, many media outlets began phasing out condolence and obituary segments, symbolic of radio’s evolving role in the digital age.
Omuga’s foundation in media stemmed from his education at Muslim Secondary School, followed by training at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (then Kenya Media Training College). KIMC, based in Nairobi’s South B, was Kenya’s leading journalism institution during the post-colonial period, producing much of the national broadcaster’s early talent.
Charles Omuga Kabisae embodied the soul of traditional radio in Kenya—his voice a reliable beacon during delicate moments of grief and remembrance. With his passing, the nation bids farewell to a broadcasting icon whose legacy will be remembered well beyond the airwaves.
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