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The burial of veteran sports journalist Diblo Kaberia in Kangeta, Meru County, was marked by an emotional and candid tribute from his close friend, sports commentator Fred Arocho, who exposed the harsh reality of how society neglects heroes in sickness but spends lavishly on their funerals.
In a clip seen by TNX Africa, Arocho revealed that before Kaberia’s death on May 24, 2026, the celebrated commentator had struggled to raise about Sh120,000 for urgent, life-saving medical treatment while battling kidney failure at the Nairobi West Hospital.
He expressed deep frustration that a nationally recognised voice in sports journalism, who spent years entertaining millions, could not access relatively modest support while battling illness.
"Alisema tulikuwa tunachangia Diblo Sh.125,000. Pastor inaniuma, huyu ni shujaa. Haifai tunamchangia 125K. Ni aibu," Arocho said.
Arocho’s tribute took a sharper turn as he questioned the painful contrast between the inability to raise funds during Kaberia’s illness and the ease with which much larger sums are often mobilised for burials. He pointed out the hypocrisy of the sports and media fraternity gathering to spend big only after a tragedy.
"Haiwezi kuwa huyu jamaa wakati anaaga tunamchangia zaidi ya milioni moja, na wakati alipougua tukashindwa kuchanga elfu 125," he said.
He added that Kaberia had reached out to him while sick, and the distress in his voice was evident. Arocho said his remarks were not scripted, but driven by genuine grief and regret over losing a close friend whom he wished he could have saved.
"Mimi namsherekea kama ndugu yangu maana wakati alikuwa anaugua angenipigia simu aniambie anaumia. Siongei kufurahisha yeyote, naongea kwa sababu niliskia uzito wa rafiki yangu," he said.
He further recounted breaking down upon receiving news of Kaberia’s death, lamenting that he was not physically present in his final moments. He noted that Kaberia’s son was the only one by his side when he passed away.
"Nilipiga nduru kule Kisumu kwa sababu mimi sikuwepo karibu na ndugu yangu wakati aliaga. Kijana wake ndiye alikuwa na yeye," he said.
The funeral, held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, drew friends, family, and colleagues who gathered to honour Kaberia’s legacy as a respected Swahili football commentator on Radio Jambo.
However, the event was overshadowed by the sobering realisation that the system failed him.
His passing has sparked wider reflection within the Kenyan sports and media community on the urgent need to support individuals during illness, rather than funding expensive send-offs.
Netizens also chimed in on social media, with an Instagram user named Nyambura writing, "This is so sad and unfortunate in today’s society. RIP Diblo Kaberia."
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