Veteran Broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela is Dead
Leonard Mambo Mbotela, a legendary name in Kenya’s media landscape, has passed away at the age of 85. The veteran broadcaster, renowned for his iconic program Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?, succumbed to a short illness on Friday, February 7, as confirmed by his family.
Mbotela’s passing marks the end of an era in Kenyan journalism, as he was a household name for decades. With a career spanning nearly 60 years, his voice became synonymous with excellence in broadcasting.
Leonard Mambo Mbotela was born in 1940 in Mombasa, Kenya. His passion for media started at a young age, and in 1964, he joined the then Voice of Kenya (VoK), now known as Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
From his early years at VoK, Mbotela showcased an extraordinary talent for storytelling, sports commentary, and captivating radio presentations. His deep voice and charismatic delivery made him a favorite among listeners.
Mbotela is best remembered for his legendary radio and television program, Je, Huu Ni Ungwana? (translated to Is This Courtesy?). The show focused on moral values, ethics, and proper social conduct, offering lessons on good behavior and societal expectations. It became an instant hit, shaping the conscience of many Kenyans over generations.
His ability to engage audiences and instill values through real-life anecdotes earned him immense respect. Even after his retirement in 2022, the impact of Je, Huu Ni Ungwana? remained deeply ingrained in Kenyan culture.
Beyond his journalistic excellence, Mbotela played a unique role in Kenya’s history. During the failed 1982 coup attempt against President Daniel arap Moi, he was forcefully taken by the coup plotters and compelled at gunpoint to announce on air that the government had been overthrown.
His resilience and composure during such a critical and dangerous moment cemented his legacy as one of Kenya’s most courageous broadcasters.
Mbotela’s broadcasting career spanned an incredible 58 years. Very few media personalities in Kenya have demonstrated such longevity, consistency, and passion for journalism. His contributions to KBC and the Kenyan media industry remain unparalleled.
Throughout his career, he covered various fields, including news reporting, sports commentary, and radio hosting. His voice became a familiar sound in many Kenyan homes, and his legacy continues to inspire aspiring journalists.
After nearly six decades in the industry, Mbotela retired from KBC in 2022. Even in retirement, he remained an influential figure in Kenyan media and often made guest appearances to share his wisdom and experiences with younger broadcasters.
Despite facing health challenges in his later years, he continued to be active and engaged in discussions on Kenya’s media landscape.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes from media professionals, political leaders, and fans flooded social media. Many praised his unmatched dedication, professionalism, and contribution to the growth of Kenya’s media industry.
Statements from Prominent Figures
President William Ruto expressed his condolences, stating:
“Leonard Mambo Mbotela was a broadcasting giant whose voice will forever be etched in Kenya’s history. His contribution to media and public education through Je, Huu Ni Ungwana? is a legacy that will live on.”
Veteran journalist and former KBC colleague, Fred Obachi Machoka, wrote:
“The passing of Mbotela is a huge loss to the media fraternity. He was a mentor, a teacher, and a legend who inspired many in the industry.”
