Who is Diblo Kaberia?
Paul Kimani Kaberia, popularly known as, Diblo Kaberia was a veteran Kenyan sports journalist and radio football commentator who worked at Radio Jambo for more than 20 years.
Known for his energetic delivery, deep football knowledge, and signature catchphrases like “Taaaarifa!”, he became one of the most recognisable voices in Kenyan sports broadcasting.
Beyond commentary, Diblo was a former footballer, a high school football coach, a certified referee, and a devoted member of the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK).
He was equally passionate about mentoring the next generation of sports journalists in Kenya.
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Paul Kimani Kaberia: History · Bio · Photo
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Full Name: | Paul Kimani Kaberia |
| Stage Name: | Diblo Kaberia / Diblo El Mago |
| Born: | 5 May 1972 |
| Age: | 54 years old |
| Death: | 24 May 2026 |
| Birthplace: | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Nationality: | Kenyan |
| Occupation: | Sports Journalist, Football Commentator, Football Coach, Referee |
| Religion: | Born-Again Christian |
| Children: | One son and one daughter |
| Net Worth: | Approximately KES 1 Million (estimated) |
Early Life
Paul Kimani Kaberia was born on 5 May 1972 in Nairobi, Kenya. From a very young age, he developed a deep and consuming passion for football.
His love for the sport went beyond mere spectating Diblo reportedly began practising commentary while still in primary school, mimicking the voices of the broadcasters he heard on the radio. This early habit foreshadowed the extraordinary career he would build later in life.
Growing up in Nairobi, Diblo was an active participant in local football. He played for several local football sides, including Kieiya Hardrock FC, Mafuko Bombas FC, and Congo United FC.
These grassroots experiences gave him a firsthand understanding of football at a community level and laid a strong foundation for the authentic, grounded commentary style he would later become famous for. His connection to the game was never just professional it was deeply personal and emotional.
Education
Specific details about Diblo Kaberia’s formal educational background have not been widely documented in the public domain.
However, his broad knowledge of football, his command of language during commentary, and his role as a mentor and coach indicate a man who was continually learning and developing his craft.
He pursued practical knowledge through his involvement in the game as a player, coach, and referee, all of which enriched his broadcast career immeasurably.
Career
Before his media career took off, Diblo Kaberia built a rich and varied foundation in football. After his playing days with local clubs, he transitioned into coaching and served as a high school football coach for approximately 10 years.
He also earned his certification as a football referee, giving him a uniquely multi-dimensional understanding of the sport from all angles as a player, a coach, and an official.
Diblo eventually made his way into sports broadcasting and joined Radio Jambo, a leading Kenyan radio station under the Radio Africa Group. Over the course of more than 20 years at the station, he became a household name across Kenya.
His commentary style was characterised by boundless energy, deep tactical knowledge, and an infectious love for the game that resonated powerfully with listeners. He had the rare gift of making radio listeners feel as though they were watching the match live in a stadium.
His famous catchphrase “Taaaarifa!” a Swahili word meaning “Information!” or “Report!” became instantly recognisable to Kenyan football fans and was a signature moment in his commentary. Diblo was particularly renowned for his coverage of both the Kenya Premier League and international football, including the English Premier League, Champions League, and African competitions.
Beyond his radio work, Diblo was an active and beloved member of the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), where he played in the SJAK FC team and was described as a dependable teammate and a source of joy in the fraternity. He was also known for mentoring upcoming sports journalists, playing an important role in shaping the next generation of Kenyan sports broadcasters.
In the months before his death, Diblo had been battling a serious illness. Colleagues in the sports journalism fraternity had launched a fundraising campaign to assist with his medical expenses.
Despite the support, he passed away on the morning of Sunday, 24 May 2026, while receiving treatment at Ruaraka Uhai Neema Hospital in Nairobi.
His death was confirmed by longtime colleague and fellow commentator Fred Arocho, who posted a heartfelt tribute on social media: “My brother and former workmate Diblo Kaberia Elmago is dead. A sad day indeed.”
Awards and Recognition
While Diblo Kaberia did not publicly accumulate a list of formal broadcasting awards during his career, his greatest recognition came from the people he served the millions of Kenyan football fans who tuned in every weekend to hear his voice. His legacy was acknowledged by several prominent institutions following his death:
- The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed paid tribute, describing him as a “respected sports journalist who was very passionate about his craft.”
- The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) President Shadrack Maluki hailed him as “more than just a journalist” and said his contributions “will never be forgotten.”
- The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) described him as “not just a brilliant journalist, but a brother and a teammate.”
- Radio Africa Group released an official statement mourning “a dedicated employee whose voice and passion for football endeared him to listeners across the country.”
Social Media
Diblo Kaberia maintained a modest presence on social media platforms, where he occasionally shared football-related content and interacted with fans.
Following his death, his social media pages became a gathering point for thousands of fans, colleagues, and football lovers across Kenya who flooded the platforms with heartfelt tributes.
His handles were not widely publicised during his lifetime, as he preferred to let his work on air speak for itself.
Personal Life
Diblo Kaberia was known to be a deeply private individual outside of his broadcasting work. He was a born-again Christian and a devoted family man.
He is survived by a son and a daughter. He was also a passionate supporter of FC Barcelona, a love affair with the Spanish giants that reportedly dated back to 1999.
In the final months of his life, Diblo suffered from a debilitating illness that kept him off the air and required intensive medical treatment. His colleagues rallied around him during this period, organising fundraising efforts to support his medical bills.
Despite their efforts, Diblo passed away at Ruaraka Uhai Neema Hospital on 24 May 2026, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire Kenyan sports broadcasters for years to come.
Net Worth
At the time of his passing, Diblo Kaberia’s estimated net worth was approximately KES 1 million, according to available public sources.
His primary source of income was his long-serving role as a football commentator and sports journalist at Radio Jambo.
While he was not known for extravagant wealth, he was deeply respected for his dedication to his craft and his contributions to Kenyan sports broadcasting over more than two decades.
FAQs
What was Diblo Kaberia’s real name?
Diblo Kaberia’s real name was Paul Kimani Kaberia. He was popularly known by his nickname “Diblo” and also went by the moniker “El Mago,” meaning “The Magician” in Spanish.
Where did Diblo Kaberia work?
Diblo Kaberia worked at Radio Jambo, a leading Kenyan radio station under the Radio Africa Group, for more than 20 years as a football commentator and sports journalist.
How did Diblo Kaberia die?
Diblo Kaberia passed away on 24 May 2026 at Ruaraka Uhai Neema Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, after battling a serious illness for several months.
Was Diblo Kaberia a footballer?
Yes. Before his media career, Diblo played for several local football clubs including Kieiya Hardrock FC, Mafuko Bombas FC, and Congo United FC. He also coached high school football for about 10 years and served as a certified football referee.
What was Diblo Kaberia’s favourite football club?
Diblo Kaberia was a passionate supporter of FC Barcelona, a love that reportedly began in 1999.
Did Diblo Kaberia have children?
Yes. Diblo Kaberia is survived by one son and one daughter.
Conclusion
Diblo Kaberia El Mago, the voice of Radio Jambo, the soul of Kenyan football commentary was more than a broadcaster.
He was a football man through and through: a player, a coach, a referee, and ultimately a storyteller who connected millions of Kenyans to the beautiful game through the power of his voice.
For over two decades, his passionate, electrifying commentary made Saturday afternoons and midweek European nights feel special for listeners across the country.
His death on 24 May 2026 marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on in every young Kenyan who picks up a microphone and dares to make the magic of football come alive on radio. Kenya has lost a giant of sports broadcasting, but the echoes of his voice and his beloved “Taaaarifa!” will never truly fade. Rest in peace, Diblo Mwana wa Kaberia.
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