President Ruto, DP Gachagua lead in mourning veteran sports presenter Sean Cardovillis

President William Ruto has led the country in mourning the late Capital FM sports journalist and commentator Sean Cardiovillis, whose shocking death was announced on Saturday.

The Head of State, in a public message posted to social networking platform X (formerly Twitter), described Sean as a brilliantly gifted journalist, who was blessed with an “upbeat personality” to boot.

“Saddened by the passing of a brilliant and outstanding sports broadcaster Sean Cardovillis. He was a cool, insightful and gifted journalist who played an integral role on our radio stations. We will miss his clear and concise voice, passion and upbeat personality. Our prayers are with his family and media fraternity at this painful time,” wrote President Ruto.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, taking to the same platform, passed his condolences to the deceased’s family, adding that his wit will be missed in the sports media industry.

“Saddened by the untimely death of renowned sports journalist Sean Cardovillis, who passed on this morning. His wit and wide knowledge in various sports, especially Motorsport, will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues in media and sports fraternity for this loss,” he stated.

Kilimani MCA Robert Alai also mourned the legendary sports broadcaster, whom he recalled first listening to while in college.

“A community leader, sports guru, brother and friend. I have lost a pillar in Kileleshwa Ward. 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,” wrote Alai.

Below are more messages of condolences from Kenyans on X:

"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.

Never met the guy, but if passion was a person,…

Devastated to hear our friend Sean Cardovillis passed away this morning 💔💔. @seancardo was a true icon of the sports industry in Kenya and the African continent. We’ll miss you Sean ❤️. Rest in Peace! https://t.co/2Mx0Po8Fkp

I'm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sean Cardovillis, a remarkable broadcaster whose passion for sports was truly contagious. His commentary brought joy to countless listeners, and he will be dearly missed in the sports community. pic.twitter.com/5Ye636b1ug

Hearing this Sean Cardovillis news 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…

I'm gutted..RIP Sean Cardovillis..you did so much for sports broadcasting in Kenya— Bernard Ndong (@BernardNdong) September 9, 2023