President William Ruto has lead Kenyans in mourning the death of veteran news anchor Catherine Kasavuli. She succumbed to cancer on Thursday night while receiving treatment at the Kenyatta National hospital.
In his message, President Ruto described Kasavuli as a cheerful, articulate and intelligent news anchor who took television with unprecedented flair.
"Her pleasant smile, clear steady voice, and elegance made her a welcome presence and reassuring bearer of news to Kenyan living rooms for decades," he wrote.
"Countless Kenyans watched her with great admiration and many children grew to emulate her. Today, Kasavuli's legacy endures, most notably in a distinctive crisp, fluent and articulate elocution we are all accustomed to in broadcast anchoring."
"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."
First lady Mama Rachel Ruto described the late Kasavuli as a woman of great distinction and accomplishment.
"Throughout her career, she consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, poise, and professionalism. Even if you did not enjoy the news, you enjoyed watching how gracefully she delivered it. Her diction and pronunciation were worth noting as lessons," she wrote.
Adding "Her contributions to the field of media and journalism have been invaluable, and she will always be remembered as a trailblazer and role model for generations to come.William and I are deeply saddened by her demise. We extend our deepest condolences to her family at this very difficult time.Psalm 34:18.The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed."
Read more condolences from other Kenyan leaders;
Naisula Lesuuda: Rest in Peace Catherine Kasavuli and sincere condolences to the family, friends and relatives. I grew up admiring your prowess, beauty and skills when reading news. Used to imitate and later followed the same career path. You were indeed a great trailblazer. Fare thee well
Ababu Namwamba: A deeply sad morning as lights go out on a towering legend of our times. John Quincy Adams says “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader” You led in inspiring a whole generation of female journalists. Rest well Catherine
Aden Duale: "It is with profound sorrow that I have learnt of the death of Catherine Kasavuli who, for a long time, has been battling cervical cancer,"
"Of the few female faces that first graced our televisions at news time was that of Catherine Kasavuli. She prides as the first female journalist on Kenyan Television, having started her career in 1985."
He added, "May Allah grant her soul eternal rest and safe passage into the afterlife."
Abdulswamad Nassir: "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 and came back with the legends edition in the same station."
"On my behalf, my family and the people of Mombasa, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late legend Ms. Catherine Kasavuli.May her soul Rest in eternal Peace,"
