Diblo Kaberia Dies After Illness, Leaves Behind Legacy In Sports Broadcasting
Sports Updated: 24 May 2026 15:36 EAT
Photo Courtesy : veteran journalist and football commentator Diblo Kaberia Elmago
Veteran Swahili football commentator Diblo Kaberia has died after a short illness, bringing to an end one of the most recognizable voices in Kenyan sports broadcasting. The celebrated Radio Jambo presenter died on Sunday, May 24, with colleagues, football fans and media personalities across the country mourning his passing.
Popularly known as “El Mago,” Diblo Kaberia built a reputation as one of Kenya’s most energetic and entertaining football commentators. His powerful voice, humor and dramatic storytelling style made him a favorite among millions of listeners who followed football matches through radio broadcasts.
Born in 1972, Diblo developed an interest in football and sports commentary at a young age. Reports indicate that he started practicing football commentary while still in primary school, nurturing a dream of becoming either a professional footballer or a sports broadcaster.
Before joining the media industry, Diblo actively played football for several local clubs including Kieiya Hardrock FC, Mafuko Bombas FC and Congo United FC. His experience as a player later helped shape his detailed understanding of football tactics and match analysis.
Apart from playing football, Diblo also worked as a football coach at high school level for close to ten years. He additionally served as a trained football referee, giving him broad experience in different areas of the game before fully venturing into sports journalism.
Diblo officially joined Radio Jambo in 2008 during the station’s early years. Together with fellow commentators Fred Arocho, Yusuf Kaona and Peter Kirumba, he helped establish one of the most influential Swahili football commentary teams in East Africa.
His commentary style quickly stood out because of his animated delivery and memorable catchphrases. Fans particularly enjoyed his famous introductions during English Premier League matches and his entertaining storytelling during live football broadcasts.
One of the stories that made Diblo famous was his humorous claim that he once played football professionally in Guatemala, where he allegedly earned the nickname “El Mago,” meaning “The Magician” in Spanish. The “Guatemala stories” later became part of his trademark identity on radio.
Over the years, Diblo covered major football competitions including the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League and the Kenyan Premier League. His partnership with Fred Arocho became one of the most recognizable football commentary pairings in Kenyan radio history.
Many football fans credited Diblo with helping grow football culture in Kenya by making radio commentary entertaining, educational and accessible to ordinary listeners. His vivid narration often made fans feel as though they were physically watching matches inside stadiums.
Beyond broadcasting, Diblo also participated in football tournaments involving media personalities. In 2016, he helped the Radio Africa football team win the Startimes Inter-Media Tournament held at Kasarani after scoring important goals during the competition.
Reports indicate that Diblo had been battling illness in recent weeks, although details surrounding his condition were not immediately made public. Days before his death, he reportedly appealed to fans and followers to pray for him as he underwent treatment.
His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from journalists, football stakeholders and listeners across the country. Many have remembered him as a passionate broadcaster whose voice, humor and deep love for football transformed sports commentary in Kenya and inspired a generation of upcoming sports journalists.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD