Veteran football commentator Diblo Kaberia “El Mago” has died, with colleague Fred Arocho confirming the news in a social media post on Sunday, May 24.
Kaberia died after a period of illness, ending a long career in radio football commentary where he became a familiar voice to listeners across the country.
He was best known for his work at Radio Jambo, where he covered both local and international football.
Arocho, his longtime colleague, described him as a close friend and former workmate, providing the first confirmation of his death.
“My brother, confidant and former workmate Diblo Kaberia Elmago is dead. A sad day indeed,” read part of Arocho’s post.
Diblo Kaberia’s Loves for Sport
Diblo Kaberia was born in Kenya in 1972 and developed an early interest in football, beginning commentary while still in primary school.
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He also played for local sides including Kieiya Hardrock FC, Mafuko Bombas FC, and Congo United FC before moving into other roles in the game.
He later worked as a high school football coach for about 10 years and also served as a referee, giving him hands-on experience across different levels of the sport.
This background informed his commentary, which was often described as grounded in a practical understanding of football.
He later joined the media and rose through the ranks to become a regular voice on Radio Jambo’s sports coverage.
Over the years, he built a loyal audience by breaking down matches in simple language and maintaining a steady flow during live commentary.
He often worked alongside Fred Arocho, with the pair forming a consistent team on major football broadcasts.
His partnership with Arocho became a familiar and trusted feature for listeners.
Kaberia was widely recognized within the industry and ranked among Kenya’s leading football commentators.
His work was particularly important for radio audiences who depended on live commentary to follow games.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes poured in from fans, many recalling his years on air and the teams he worked with.
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One mourner recalled following Kaberia’s career for years
“I started hearing Diblo Mwana wa Kaberia way back in 2008 in the company of Toldo Kuria, Peter Kirumba, George Waka, Washington Gathuki Mondo, Yusuf Kaona, Fred Arocho, and Diamond Okusimba. You guys had a powerful squad of football commentators. We will miss your Guatemala football vibes. RIP Diblo Mwana wa Kaberia,” the mourner stated.
Another remembered listening to him during school days.
“I remember those days back in high school. We used to tune in to Radio Jambo for football commentary because of Arocho, Okusimba, Georges Waka, Washington Gathuki Mondo, Peter Kirumba, Toldo Kuria, and Diblo Kaberia. He used to humor us with his team, Malacateco from Guatemala. May his soul rest in peace.”
The Football Kenya Federation also paid tribute, describing Kaberia as a key figure in Kenyan football broadcasting.
“Diblo’s voice became synonymous with Kenyan football, bringing matches to life for countless fans across the country through his passion, energy, and deep love for the game.”
The federation said his contribution to sports broadcasting played a significant role in growing the local game and connecting fans to football moments that remain memorable.
It added that his work had a lasting impact on fans, colleagues, and the wider football community, sending condolences to his family and those he worked with.
Diblo’s death is a huge loss for the sports media fraternity in Kenya because for many listeners, especially outside major towns, radio remains the most accessible way to follow live matches, making commentators central to how the game is experienced.
