The Kenyan media industry and the local sports fraternity are mourning the death of veteran football commentator and sports journalist Paul “Diblo” Kaberia.

Popularly known to his audience as “El Mago”, the veteran broadcaster died on Sunday morning after a prolonged illness. He had been receiving treatment for several months before succumbing to the undisclosed condition.

Radio Africa Group Human Resources Director Jemima Ngode confirmed the news in an official statement issued on Sunday afternoon, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our colleague, Mr Paul Kaberia, football commentator at Radio Jambo for over 20 years,” Ngode said.

She described Kaberia as a dedicated professional whose distinctive voice and passion for football endeared him to millions of listeners across the country.

His longtime colleague and former co-host Fred Arocho was among the first to announce the news on social media, sharing a heartfelt tribute to his close friend.

“My brother, confidant and former workmate Diblo Kaberia El Mago is dead. A sad day indeed,” Arocho wrote.

Kaberia built a celebrated career spanning more than two decades, helping shape the identity of Radio Jambo through his energetic football coverage and his signature “Goal Rush” segments. Fans fondly recall his trademark exclamation “Taaaaaarifa!” which became synonymous with live match updates.

Beyond his commentary, he was also known for his humour and storytelling, often entertaining audiences with fictional accounts of his supposed football exploits in Guatemala, where he claimed to have earned the nickname “El Mago”, Spanish for “the magician”.

Just days before his death, Kaberia had posted on Facebook asking his followers to keep him in their prayers as he battled illness. His passing has since triggered widespread condolences from across the sports and media fraternity in Kenya.