Who was Veteran Broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela
He died on Friday, February 7, 2025
4h agoWILLIAM WANYOIKEInfographics
Kenya Editors' Guild has joined Kenyans and the media fraternity in paying tribute to veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela.
Mbotela died after a short illness at the age of 85 on Friday, February 7, 2025.
KEG President Zubeidah Kananu said Mbotela was a dedicated person and contributed towards excellence in journalism.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and the entire media fraternity. As Kenya Editors' Guild, we celebrate Mbotela for his dedication and contribution towards excellence in journalism, specifically in broadcasting and continuity,” Kananu said.
“We also celebrate him for dedicating his time to conduct mentorship of the next generation of journalists.”
She said the veteran announcer will be remembered for his famous programme "Je, Huu Ni Ungwana".
The programme centred on respect and decorum all round, calling out indecent behaviour in a humourous manner, shaping values and offering lessons in morality.
The programme began on the radio and was later offered on TV due to its popularity. He began his career in 1964 at the Voice of Kenya now Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.
He gained fame during the 1982 coup against the Moi government, where the army rebels picked him from his home in Ngara and ordered him into the Broadcasting House studio to announce that the then President Daniel Arap Moi had been overthrown.
She said Mbotela's story and mastery of the Kiswahili language shall live with Kenyans forever.
“May his family find comfort, and may his soul Rest in Peace.”
President William Ruto mourned the death of veteran journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela.
In a message of condolence, Ruto said the country is heartbroken by his demise.
He went on to describe Mbotela as a gifted and powerful broadcaster whose commentaries were first-class.
The President said that he will always be remembered for his mastery and contribution to the growth of radio broadcasts in the country.
He prayed for God’s comfort to his family as they come to terms with his death.
“We are heartbroken by the death of veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela. He was a gifted and powerful broadcaster whose alluring voice dominated our airwaves with his first-class football commentaries and the signature programme “Je Huu Ni Ungwana?” Mbotela will fondly be remembered for the integral role he played on our radio stations — through the mentoring of young broadcasters.
“Our thoughts are with the family, their loved ones and the media fraternity at this difficult time. Rest In Peace, Mzee Mbotela,” Ruto said on X.
