PHOTOS: Kenya's top football commentators gather to send off Diblo Kaberia in Meru

"Taaaaaaaarifa!"

The legendary voice behind that iconic football commentary call has fallen silent, but his legacy will continue to echo in the ears of football lovers for generations.

Veteran Radio Jambo football commentator Paul Kimathi Kaberia, popularly known as Diblo Kaberia, was laid to rest on June 7 at his home in Kangeta, Meru County.

The celebrated broadcaster was accorded an emotional send-off, beginning with a memorial service at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi. In a touching tribute to his lifelong passion for football, family members wore Arsenal jerseys while delivering their eulogies, honouring both Kaberia's love for the game and his beloved 2025/26 English champions.

Hundreds of mourners, friends, colleagues and football fans attended the burial to pay their last respects. Many described Kaberia as a passionate and positive voice who helped shape football conversations across the country through his unique style of commentary.

Several prominent figures took to the podium to celebrate his life and career, with former colleagues recalling his dedication to journalism and his remarkable ability to bring football matches to life.

One of the most emotional tributes came from veteran football presenter Fred Arocho, a close friend of the late commentator.

Arocho criticised society's tendency to raise large sums of money for funerals while failing to support people during medical emergencies.

"It is deeply unfair that society can easily raise millions for a funeral, yet fail to help someone access medical care that could save their life," he said.

Arocho revealed that Kaberia had struggled to raise Sh125,000 for a crucial medical procedure while battling a series of health complications. Yet, more than Sh1 million was mobilised after his death.

"We were fundraising for Sh125,000 to help Diblo. It hurts me deeply. Diblo was a hero who fought bravely through illness and never allowed his condition to define him," he said.

He further thanked colleagues for standing with the family during Kaberia's final days and helping facilitate the transfer of his remains back home.

Arocho also disclosed that a well-wisher had paid Sh250,000 in school fees for Kaberia's sons at Kabarak University.

Fans whose lives were touched by his commentary continued to share heartfelt tributes online.

"Rest in eternal peace. Your football legacy will remain forever," one mourner wrote on Facebook.

The burial was attended by several football personalities, including AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda, alongside a host of journalists and broadcasters from various media houses.

Veteran sports journalist Kaka Zema delivered one of the day's most memorable tributes, honouring Kaberia by showcasing his signature commentary style before mourners in a symbolic final salute to the fallen broadcaster.

Other media personalities present included Hassan Mwana wa Ali, Joshua Rotich, Joseph Otundo, Stephen "Baba Nora" Mukangai, Greg Mulemi, Peter Kirumba, Lucky Herriano and George Waka, among others.

Beyond the grief, the ceremony celebrated a career that transformed football broadcasting in Kenya.

Affectionately known as "El Mago", Kaberia was remembered as a gifted storyteller whose commentary entertained, informed and inspired football fans for decades.

Photos: Courtesy, Hassan Mwana wa Ali (Facebook)