President Ruto waives journalist Catherine Kasavuli’s hospital bill.

President William Ruto has waived journalist Catherine Kasavuli’s hospital bill.

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) news caster John Jacob Kioria tweeted about the waiver, thanking the president for his kind gesture.

“Great thanks to our President William Ruto who has waived the hospital bill incurred by my colleague Katherine Kasavuli. May her soul continue to rest in peace,” Kioira wrote

The late Kasavuli, who was receiving treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital, had a hospital bill of Sh4 million that her family had to seek the assistance of well-wishers to clear.

Kasavuli’s family held a fundraiser on Saturday, January 7, 2023, to help pay off the bill and finalize burial plans.

On January 14, 2023, the former TV queen will be laid to rest in Mululu village in Vihiga county.

Kasavuli created a name for herself in the media profession, coaching and fostering some of Kenya’s most prominent journalists.

Her three-decade career began in 1980 with the Voice of Kenya (VOK), which was later renamed KBC, before she moved to the station’s television department in 1985.

Catherine Kasavuli family

The family of the TV queen who succumbed to cervical cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) had appealed to Kenyans of goodwill to help them raise funds to settle the bill, which they say, has hit Ksh4 million.

Following her demise, a paybill number was set up through which well-wishers can send in their contributions.

The contributions will be received through:

Paybill – 8089700

Account number – Catherine Kasavuli

President William Ruto led Kenyans in mourning the legendary news anchor who graced the TV screens for years in a career that took off in 1985.

Many Kenyans watched her with great admiration and many children grew to emulate her. Today, Kasavuli’s legacy endures, most notably in a distinctively crisp, fluent, and articulate elocution we are all accustomed to in broadcast anchoring,” the president added.

First lady Rachel Ruto also eulogized Kasavuli.

“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,” the first lady tweeted.

The Kenya Editors Guild also paid tribute to the fallen legend noting that “her commitment to professional and excellent delivery of news will continue to challenge and inspire both the current and next generation of journalists”.

Kasavuli, who was Kenya’s first female news anchor, is survived by a son, Martin Kasavuli. She was aged 60.