Kenyans on Saturday woke up to the sad news that three legendary journalists had passed away just some hours apart.
The demise of Capital FM sports journalist Sean Cardavillis, sports journalist and videographer Collo Kwala, and former KBC producer Kibwana Onguso shocked the world, with Kenyans taking to social media to express their heartfelt condolences.
“Collo Kwala, Sean Cardavillis, and Kibwana Onguso. Friends. Same industry. Gone on the same day, separated by hours. Sad. May their souls rest in peace,” Philip Etated, Orange Democratic (ODM) Communications Director and former Citizen TV journalist, mourned.
Collo Kwala died on Friday in a road accident in Kericho. The ODM politician owned and managed a video production company.
Former Gor Mahia Football Club’s Treasurer, Sally Bolo, particularly mourned Kwala as a journalist who loved his craft and was endeared to his friends.
“May you find strength and comfort in each other as you navigate this profound loss. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be greatly missed,” Bolo stated.
Renowned sports journalist Sean Cardovillis found dead in Nairobi
Sean Cardovillis is reported to have died on Saturday, September 9, morning outside his home in Westlands, Nairobi, where he lived alone.
According to the police, his body was found at his staircase by a cleaner who had gone to clean the area leading to his house. It is alleged that the legendary journalist was battling some illness and was in and out of hospital.
Sean’s powerful commentary and infectious enthusiasm for sports made him a household name locally and internationally. Until his death, he was working with Capital FM as a sports news presenter and premiered Saturday Music and Sports Show.
He started his career at Capital FM in 1997, where he worked for nine years and rising to the role of Sports editor.
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He took a break from the station and joined the Seychelles-based Paradise FM, where he worked as a sports presenter for six years. Other media companies he worked for include Nation Media Group-owned Nation FM.
He returned to Capital FM in June this year after 18 years. Before meeting his untimely death, Sean was scheduled to interview multiple world and Olympic champion and triple world record holder Faith Kipyegon.
A few hours after Sean’s death was announced, news broke that former TV producer Kibwana Onguso had passed away. Onguso died at his Lucky Summer home on Saturday morning.
Reports have it that his son found him lying in his bed unconscious before doctors confirmed his demise around 11 a.m.
Onguso, who died aged 59, had a successful career in the media industry. He worked as a producer at various media organizations, including the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), K24, Citizen TV, and Maisha Magic East.
He produced popular programs such as Tausi, Nyundo Utosini, Tahamaki, Kisulisuli, Mahoka, Papa Shirandula, and Inspekta Mwala, among others.
