Veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela is dead
He was confirmed dead on Friday
4h agoNANCY AGUTUNews
President William Ruto has 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.
The veteran journalist had been unwell for some time and he breathed his last at around 9:30 am on Friday.
"It is true my father-in-law has passed on," Anne Mbotela told the Star.
Mbotela was married to Alice Mwikali who together had three children: Aida Mbotela, Jimmy Mbotela and George Mbotela.
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.
