The real reason Leonard Mambo Mbotela is being buried at Lang’ata Cemetry

The decision to inter the late veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela at Lang’ata Cemetery in Nairobi has prompted discussions regarding his final resting place. While some anticipated that Mbotela would be laid to rest in his ancestral homeland, insights into his family history provide clarity on this choice.

Ancestral Origins in Malawi

Leonard Mambo Mbotela’s lineage traces back to Malawi. His great-grandfather, an ethnic Yao named Mbotela Senior, was born around 1865 in central Malawi. During the 19th century, he was among the individuals rescued from Arab slave traders by the British Navy and subsequently settled in Freretown, Mombasa. This historical context means that Mbotela did not have a traditional rural home, or “ushago,” in Kenya. In his memoir, “Je Huu Ni Ungwana?”, Mbotela acknowledged his Malawian roots but noted that he had no personal connection to the region, stating, “I cannot claim to be a Yao because I was never born or brought up among them. I don’t know any relatives there, and I have never lived with them.”

Leonard Mambo Mbotela Passes Away

Family Decisions and Burial Arrangements

Given this background, the Mbotela family opted for a burial location in Nairobi. Leonard Mambo Mbotela passed away on February 7, 2025, at the age of 84, after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Alice Mwikali, and their three children: Aida, Jimmy, and George. The funeral service is scheduled for Friday, February 14, at All Saints Cathedral, with the burial set for Saturday, February 15, at Lang’ata Cemetery.

This decision underscores the family’s consideration of Mbotela’s personal history and the practicalities associated with his final resting place.

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