Ruto, Raila lead Kenyans in paying tribute to pioneer female anchor Catherine Kasavuli

"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,"

Catherine Kasavuli. She worked for KBC TV, KTN and Citizen TV. [File, Standard]

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.