The late broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela /FILECondolence messages continue to trickle in as the country mourns the demise of legendary broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela who passed away Friday morning at a hospital in Nairobi.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined the growing list of leaders in mourning the veteran media personality whose contribution to Kenya’s media industry has been described by many as unmatched.
In his message of solace, the former Head of State said Mbotela will be remembered for his professionalism, patriotism and his ever-entertaining and educative programmes which sought to teach society values that build strong families and a great nation.
“Mzee Leonard Mambo Mbotela was a great Kenyan. He was a patriot who worked hard to ensure the public was well informed through his programmes especially that of ‘Je Huu Ni Ungwana?’ which was aired on the national broadcaster KBC,” Uhuru said in a statement.
Among the highlights of Mbotela’s media career spanning five decades was the night of July 31, 1982, when he found himself in the thick of things after a section of dissident soldiers attempted to overthrow the government of then-President Daniel Moi.
The group picked Mbotela from his home in Ngara, drove him to the Voice of Kenya (VOK) studios and ordered him to announce that Moi’s government had been overthrown.
The airmen would shortly after be neutralised and Mbotela was asked to go live on air yet again by loyal forces and announce that the coup plotters had been silenced and Moi was still President.
Uhuru said Mbotela’s distinct and reassuring voice played a great role in reassuring the nation that all was well.
The former Head of State noted that Mbotela’s deep mastery of the Swahili language, proverbs and sayings, besides his ever-smiling demeanour, endeared him to many listeners.
“His voice will be remembered by many at the time the country was undergoing some political challenges. He came out as an assuring voice calming the country and giving hope to the citizens that the future is bright,” Uhuru said.
He added that Mbotela’s commitment to ideals for a better society endeared him to many Kenyans, but despite the fame that came with it, he remained humble, interacting with both the high and mighty as well as the lowly in society.
"He was loyal to the core, steadfast and highly committed to his profession and employer KBC. Indeed Mr Leonard Mambo Mbotela was a true Kenyan trailblazer and role model who has left an indelible mark in the country’s media industry,” Uhuru said.
Uhuru prayed to God to give Mbotela’s family, relatives and friends the fortitude and strength to bear their loss.
