Leaders from across the political divide led by President William Ruto paid glowing tributes to veteran journalist Catherine Kasavuli following her demise at the Kenyatta National Hospital on Thursday night.
Kasavuli had been battling cervical cancer and died aged 60. She was among the first female news anchors in Kenya and worked for KBC TV, KTN and Citizen TV.
Ruto said that she broke the glass ceiling and took to television with unprecedented flair. He said Kasavuli's pleasant smile, clear steady voice and elegance made her a welcome presence and reassuring bearer of news to Kenyans for decades.
"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," said Ruto.
"Let us, therefore, celebrate the life of a talented pioneer who famously excelled in her profession, entrancing the nation with her talent and extraordinary poise. I pray that God comforts her family in this time of mourning and that her soul rests in eternal peace,"
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga described Kasavuli as a trailblazer who illuminated screens with her captivating presence.
"Following the loss of legendary broadcast journalist Catherine Kasavuli, Mama Ida and I extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. She illuminated our screens as a trailblazer and many women joined the profession due to her captivating presence," said Raila
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said Kasavuli was a veteran newscaster who has been consistent in her art and has inspired and mentored many journalists. "Having worked across major media houses in Kenya, she made a remarkable contribution to the style and delivery of news and related content over years. Her recent re-entry to KBC television gave the space a nostalgic feel for different audience segments," said Gachagua
"Due to her contribution to the growth of the industry, Catherine was given the Lifetime Achievement Award in May 2022 during the Media Council of Kenya's Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA). I pass my greatest sympathies to her family, colleagues, and friends. May her Soul rest in Peace and perpetual light shine upon her forever,"
First Lady Rachel Ruto described Kasavuli as a woman of great distinction and accomplishment who demonstrated a strong work ethic, poise, and professionalism throughout her career. "Her diction and pronunciation were worth noting as lessons. Her contributions to the field of media and journalism have been invaluable, and she will always be remembered as a trailblazer for generations to come," Rachel posted on Twitter.
Kanu chairman Gideon Moi said Kasavuli was a reflection of analytical and professional journalism. "Her loss is a big blow to not only the family, friends and the media fraternity but also to the entire country. We pray that God rests her soul in eternal peace and grants the family the fortitude and grace to bear this loss," Moi said.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta described Kasavuli as a committed journalist who played a key role in the growth of the country's media industry. "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," Uhuru said, adding that Kasavuli's commitment and diligence in her work made her stand out as a talented newscaster.
"As an individual, I will forever cherish her noble contribution to making the media industry one of the most dynamic and transformative sectors of our economy," he added.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in his condolence message described Kasavuli as a person who bonded with generations of Kenyans and inspired many budding news persons in her time as a news anchor in various stations.
"I have learnt with tremendous sorrow, the passing away of veteran newscaster Catherine Kasavuli. Catherine bonded with generations of Kenyans and inspired many budding news persons in her time as a news anchor for various stations," said Mudavadi
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula said he was saddened by the death of Kasavuli. "My sincere condolences to her family, relatives and friends during this moment. May perpetual light shine upon her. Rest in peace Catherine," Wetang'ula said.
Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said death had snatched from Kenya a resourceful person who mentored many women into journalism, adding that though gone, her memories will remain in the minds of many Kenyans. "Of the few female faces that first graced our televisions at news time was that of Catherine Kasavuli. She prides herself as the first female journalist on Kenyan television, having started her career in 1985. Today, the veteran newscaster has rested," said Duale
Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua eulogised Kasavuli as a gentle and beautiful soul full of generosity and love. "My condolences to Martin and the entire Kasavuli family on the passing of Catherine Kasavuli, a mum, daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many," Karua said.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing on of Catherine Kasavuli. She graced our screens as a passionate and professional news anchor who mentored as many as she inspired. I join other Kenyans in condoling with her family and loved ones and celebrating her life and legacy."
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said: "It is with great sorrow that I receive the news about the death of Catherine Kasavuli, a veteran news anchor at KBC that graced our screens with news in the early years of broadcasting in Kenya."
Mary Abebe Ojiambo who was Kasavuli's teacher at Ngara Girls High School described her as a decent, hardworking and focused student. "She was among the first Form Six class I taught at Ngara Girls and considered her a decent, hardworking and focused student. May the Good Lord rest her soul in Heavenly Glory as we celebrate her great achievements," Ojiambo said.
