NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto is among notable Kenyans who have mourned the late media personality Leonard Mambo Mbotela.
The devastating loss of Mbotela has stirred profound grief and frustration among Kenyans.
Taking to his official X account, President Ruto said that Kenyans were heartbroken by the death of 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?” President Ruto posted.
According to the head of state, 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,” said President Ruto.
Legendary KBC broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela has passed away at the age of 85. He died on Friday morning in a Nairobi hospital. #KBCniYetu ^RO
The veteran journalist died on the morning of Friday, February 7, 2025, aged 85.
He had been unwell for some time, and he died at around 9 am in Nairobi. The news of Mbotela’s death was confirmed by his son, Jimmy Mbotela.
How other notable Kenyans mourned Leonard Mambo Mbotela
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said he never imagined a day when Mbotela’s voice would fade into silence.
“For decades, his deep, commanding tone filled our airwaves, shaping conversations, instilling values, and chronicling Kenya’s journey through history. Today, as I reflect on his passing, I feel the weight of this loss not just for the media fraternity but for the entire nation.” Wetang’ula said.
𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐋𝐄𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐎 𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐀 I am deeply saddened by the passing of legendary broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela. His voice and storytelling defined an era, shaping Kenya’s media landscape and inspiring generations of…
Cabinet Secretary, Public Service and Human Capital Development Justin Muturi said Mbotela was more than just a journalist, describing him as a voice of wisdom, a storyteller, and a national treasure.
“From the days of Voice of Kenya (VoK) to KBC, he used the airwaves to inform, educate, and instill values through his iconic program “Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?” His impact on Kenya’s media landscape is unmatched, and his legacy will live on for generations,” wrote Muturi.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party observed that Mbotela’s articulation of issues and educational programs will forever be etched in the memory of Kenyans.
“As a nation, we have lost a great man, a laudable journalist, and a leader in his own right. He has left an indelible mark on the history of our nation. We shall miss him #RIPMbotela,” the party posted on its official X account.
Leonard Mambo Mbotela’s journey in the Kenyan media
Mbotela joined KBC, then VOK, in the 1960s. His signature show, Je, Huu ni Ungwana?” started airing in 1966 and is Kenya’s longest-running radio program.
His unique voice was special, so the August 1982 coup plotters went and picked him up from his house so that he could announce their attempt to overthrow the government of the day.
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…
In his book, “Je, Huu ni Ungwana? A Memoir,” Mbotela boldly narrated a nation’s seismic shift while unveiling Kenya’s new leadership in a daring live broadcast.
“Dear listeners, dear Kenyans, this is VOK; my name is Leonard Mambo Mbotela. You are informed that the government of Daniel Arap Moi has been withdrawn,” the book reads in part.
May his soul rest in peace.
