Leonard Mambo Mbotela Passes Away

Renowned journalist and media icon Leonard Mambo Mbotela has passed away.

Mbotela, whose illustrious career in broadcasting spanned over five decades, died at the age of 85. His passing was confirmed by his daughter-in-law, Anne Mbotela.

The veteran broadcaster, who had been ailing, succumbed in the morning while undergoing treatment at a city hospital.

Mbotela rose to prominence through his widely acclaimed television program Je, Huu ni Uungwana?, which captivated audiences for years. Launched in 1966, the show focused on issues of social etiquette and decorum, becoming a staple on KBC radio for decades and one of Kenya’s longest-running programs.

His passion for journalism was evident from a young age, as he would collect and read newspaper clippings to his classmates. This early interest led him to a trainee position at The Standard newspaper in Nakuru before joining the Voice of Kenya (VoK), now Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), in 1964, marking the start of his distinguished career.

One of the most defining moments of his career came during the attempted coup on August 1, 1982. Mbotela was forcibly taken to the VoK studios by rebel soldiers and ordered to announce the overthrow of President Daniel arap Moi’s government. Once the coup was suppressed, he was again tasked with informing the nation that the government had regained control, a testament to the significance of his voice in Kenyan broadcasting.

Born in Freetown, Mombasa, Mbotela witnessed the rise of all five Kenyan presidents and even served in the Presidential Press Unit.

His contributions to journalism earned him numerous accolades, including the Head of State Commendation (HSC) in 1987, the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) in 1992, and national hero recognition in 2009 for his impact on the country’s media landscape.