NAIROBI, Kenya Sept 9 – Tributes have started to pour in from across the sporting world for the popular Capital FM Sport commentator Sean Cardovillis, who died this morning.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said he was saddened by the untimely death of the renowned sports journalist.
“His wit and wide knowledge in various sports, especially Motorsport, will be greatly missed,” the DP said.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba on his part said Sean’s demise was a shocking terrible loss to the world of sports.
Namwamba tweeted: “What a personality. What a voice for sports. On my own behalf and on behalf of the Ministry, I join the family, friends, and colleagues of Sean Cardovillis in mourning this gifted yet humble Capital FM Sports Commentator. Rest well brother!”
James Wokabi and Mutwiri Mutuota who have both served as the Sports Editors at Capital FM described Sean as an icon a legend and a role model.
“Sean opened the doors for me at Capital FM and put me on air for the first time. He inspired a whole generation of journalists with his passion, dedication, and knowledge of sports,” Wokabi stated.
Mutuota on his part added that he, like many sports enthusiasts, is still trying without success to process the demise of Sean Cardovillis.
“The VOICE of sport on radio, television, and online for over 20 years, his unique voice and delivery was a standard,” Mutwiri said on his X account.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai said the Kileleshwa Ward had lost a pillar, as he described ‘Sean as a community leader, sports guru, brother, and friend.’
“While in college, I listened to Sean Cardovillis and Eddy Kimani on Capital FM. Nobody delivered the sports the way they did. More so, MotorSports. Oooh, what a sad day. A community leader, sports guru, brother, and friend. I have lost a pillar in Kileleshwa Ward,” he said in a message on his social media platforms.
“The Raphta Road community won’t be the same again. We built a strong network of community mobilisers in the affluent parts of Kileleshwa with you to get a better neighbourhood.”
Sports Journalists Association of Kenya Vice President Eric Njiru said Sean was ‘a true icon of the sports industry in Kenya and the African continent.’
WRC Safari Rally Route Liaison Anwar Sidi recounted how Sean touched the lives of so many people with his kindness and generosity.
“You may be gone but your memory will live on forever…. Rest in peace Sean Cardovillis,” Sidi stated.
Former Capital FM Head of Productions Fidel Maithya, said he was devastated to hear the news of Sean’s demise. He recounted how the renowned sports presenter had played a critical role in his career when he joined Capital FM as an intern.
“Hearing this news of Sean Cardovillis’s death has just hit me hard. He was passionate about his job and just as passionate if not more about his sport of cycling. He opened the doors for me at Capital as a sports and production intern and we later became friends and colleagues. This news has left me reeling and it needs no reminding to treasure those around you,” he said.
Media personality Olivia Otieno said Sean was a fantastic person to have known in good times but his real strength shone through in tough times.
Gabriel Oguda said Sean was the poster image of Saturday Music & Sports adding that the show will not be the same again without him on the decks pulling in reports from across the grounds.
“That’s the sport, I’m Sean Cardovillis.” That piercing punchline will forever ring in the ears of sports lovers who got introduced to Capital FM through one of the greatest radio journalists in the history of the profession,” he recounted.
Elias Makori, lead editor – Sports and Integration Projects at Nation Media Group (NMG), waxed lyrical about the man described as the Voice of Sports.
“I have worked with Sean Cardovillis for over two decades and knew him as an astute, committed and honest sports journalist, and an exceptionally talented, peerless broadcaster. His contribution to Kenyan sports journalism was immense and the motorsport world, in particular, will miss his commitment to the sport, a commitment fellow sports journalists should strive to emulate.
He added: “Sean raised the bar in sports journalism and broadcasting, and has left an indelible mark in our profession.”
My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and associates.
May God rest the soul of Sean – the Voice of Sport – in eternal peace.
Sean’s powerful commentary and infectious enthusiasm for sports made him a household name locally and internationally.
At Capital FM, we pay tribute to the man who brought sports to life for millions of our listeners around the world.
Cardovillis was a Sports News Presenter and premiered the popular Saturday Music and Sports show.
Here is Sean’s last interview with multiple World Champion Faith Kipyegon, which is scheduled to air in today’s show.
