Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Saturday visited the family of veteran journalist Leornard Mambo Mbotela.
In a video seen by the Star, Raila was heard engaging the family as he passed his condolences.
The veteran journalist died on Friday, February 7, 2025.
He had been unwell for some time and he breathed his last at around 9:30 am.
President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga were among the leaders who took to their social media to mourn the veteran journalist.
''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?” Ruto said.
Ruto said Mbotela will fondly be remembered for the integral role he played on Kenya’s radio stations — through the mentoring of young broadcasters.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki described Mbotela’s death as devastating even as he described him as an icon of journalism who dominated Kenyan airwaves for more than a decade.
“Other than his prowess in football commentary and mastery of the Kiswahili language and the thousands of young journalists that he mentored over the years, we live to remember Mzee Mbotela for his popular program 'Je, huu ni ungwana?' that he used to advocate for social order and good governance,” Kindiki said.
Raila said Mbotela was a dedicated public servant who spent his life informing, educating, and entertaining Kenyans through his informative programs.
“As a sports journalist, Mbotela excelled as an outstanding football commentator who made radio football commentary lively to listeners. His popular educative program Jee Huu ni Ungwana remains etched on the memory of many listeners as a moral compass on social relations,” Raila said.
The legendary journalist was famed for his popular radio and TV programme dubbed Jee Huuu ni Ungwana which aired on KBC radio and TV.
The programme was created in 1966 and it enjoyed coverage for about 55 years.
He briefly worked with Kenya Weekly News and the East African Standard before joining KBC.
The veteran journalist was born in Freetown, Mombasa in 1940 to James and Aida Mbotela.
He was the firstborn in a family of eight children.
