Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wtang'ula/FILENational Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has proposed the need for the country to have a designated cemetery to bury national heroes.
Speaking on Thursday in Parliament, Wetang’ula said it is disheartening for broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela to be buried in Lang’ata Cemetery.
The broadcaster died last week on Friday while undergoing treatment in Nairobi.
The speaker asked Parliament to stand up and observe minutes of silence in the memory of the departed broadcaster.
“The country needs a hero’s corner to bury people like broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela, it is disheartening to hear that we are going to bury broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela in Lang’ata Cemetery; probably his grave will be on top of a grave knowing how crowded the place is,” Wetang’ula said.
The legendary journalist was famed for his popular radio and TV programme Je Huuu ni Ungwana?, which aired on KBC radio and TV.
The programme 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.
President William Ruto mourned the veteran journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela, saying 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 Mbotela will always be remembered for his mastery and contribution to the growth of radio broadcasts in the country.
He prayed for God’s comfort for 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.
