It has been a difficult week for Kenyan media, as the country lost two beloved figures in quick succession. Actor Prosecutor Gibson Gathu of “Vioja Mahakamani” fame and veteran news anchor Catherine Kasavuli both passed away, leaving a void in the hearts of their fans and colleagues.
It is deeply saddening to report that veteran news anchor Catherine Kasavuli passed away on Thursday night at the age of 60, after a long and brave fight with cancer. Kasavuli had been battling cervical cancer and had been receiving treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital for nearly two months. On December 23, 2022, Health CS Susan Nakhumicha visited Kasavuli at the hospital and offered her words of prayer and support.
Catherine Kasavuli had a son named Martin Kasavuli, who has spoken out about his mother’s passing and appealed for help in clearing her hospital bill. In the wake of his mother’s death, Martin has made an appeal for help in clearing her hospital bill of KES 4 million through Mpesa Paybill Number: 8089700, Account Number: Catherine Kasavuli. It is not uncommon for families in Kenya to face financial challenges when a loved one is hospitalized, and Martin’s appeal highlights the importance of support and community in times of need.
Throughout her career, Kasavuli consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, poise, and professionalism, earning the respect and admiration of countless Kenyans. Her passing has been met with widespread condolences from politicians, colleagues, and fans, who will remember her as a talented pioneer and a beloved presence in living rooms across the country. We pay tribute to the life and career of Catherine Kasavuli and celebrate her lasting impact on the media industry.
We convey our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the late Catherine Kasavuli who passed earlier today at the Kenyatta National Hospital. Kasavuli was a reflection of analytical and professional journalism, demonstrated through her stellar career in the newsroom.
@MoiGideon
Catherine Kasavuli was a woman of great distinction and accomplishment. Throughout her career, she consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, poise, and professionalism. Even if you did not enjoy the news, you enjoyed watching how gracefully she delivered it.
@MamaRachelRuto
It is with great sorrow that I join Kenyans in mourning the passing of Catherine Kasavuli who died Thursday night at 60, after a long brave fight with cancer.
Catherine was a cheerful, articulate and intelligent news anchor who took to television with unprecedented flair.@WilliamsRuto
Countless Kenyans watched her with great admiration and many children grew to emulate her. Today, Kasavuli’s legacy endures, most notably in a distinctive crisp, fluent and articulate elocution we are all accustomed to in broadcast anchoring.Following the loss of legendary broadcast journalist Catherine Kasavuli, Mama Ida and I extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.
@RailaOdinga
She illuminated our screens as a trailblazer and many women joined the profession due to her captivating presence.Ms Kasavuli made several achievements in the broadcasting industry that made her a role model and mentor to women journalists in the country.
Catherine Kasavuli became a household name because of her immense achievement as a broadcaster. Indeed she was a great role model and mentor to many women journalists in the country,
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta
Legacy of Catherine Kasavuli
Catherine Kasavuli was a seasoned media professional and a pioneering figure in the Kenyan media industry. She was born in 1962 in Nairobi West and grew up in the city. She began her media career as a continuity announcer at VOK and later enrolled in media training at KIMC in 1982.
In 1990, Kasavuli joined KTN as the first host of a live broadcast. At the time, KTN was the only privately owned station in Kenya, and Kasavuli’s talent and charisma quickly made her a household name.
She later joined RMS in 2007 as a news anchor and group corporate affairs manager, and in 2015, she launched the Kasavuli Media Group Limited before returning to KBC after seven years.
Throughout her career, Kasavuli consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, poise, and professionalism, earning her the respect and admiration of countless Kenyans.
In 2008, she was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) by President Mwai Kibaki in recognition of her contributions to the media industry. She was also inducted into the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2022 Media Council of Kenya awards, recognizing her remarkable career over the years.
In her final months, Kasavuli spoke about the life lessons she had learned after decades in the public eye, emphasizing the importance of family, faith, and good deeds.
We convey our deepest condolences to her family, friends and relatives. May the Almighty Father Rest her soul in Eternal Peace.