NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Saturday paid a visit to the family of veteran journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela, offering his condolences following the broadcaster’s passing on February 7, 2025.
Mbotela, a revered figure in Kenyan media, had been battling illness before he succumbed at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Friday.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from leaders across the country, recognizing his vast contribution to journalism.
President William Ruto mourned Mbotela as a broadcasting icon whose signature voice shaped Kenyan radio and television for decades.
“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?’” Ruto stated.
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…
Ruto lauded Mbotela’s role in mentoring young journalists, noting his influence in shaping the country’s broadcasting landscape.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki described Mbotela’s death as a great loss, emphasizing his impact on journalism and social advocacy.
“Other than his prowess in football commentary and mastery of the Kiswahili language, and the thousands of young journalists he mentored over the years, we live to remember Mzee Mbotela for his popular program ‘Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?’ that he used to advocate for social order and good governance,” Kindiki said.
Raila Odinga paid tribute to Mbotela’s dedication to public service, highlighting his role in educating and informing the nation through his work in the media.
“As a sports journalist, Mbotela excelled as an outstanding football commentator who made radio football commentary lively for listeners. His popular educative program ‘Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?’ remains etched in the memory of many listeners as a moral compass on social relations,” Raila said.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Leonard Mambo Mbotela this morning. Leonard, a veteran journalist and a broadcaster with immense influence in the media industry and the country as a whole, was a dedicated public servant who spent his life informing, educating, and…
Mbotela’s illustrious career spanned over five decades, with his most recognized work being the long-running radio and TV program ‘Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?’ which first aired in 1966.
Born in 1940 in Freetown, Mombasa, Mbotela briefly worked with Kenya Weekly News and the East African Standard before joining the national broadcaster, KBC.
His distinctive voice and journalistic expertise cemented his legacy as one of Kenya’s most respected media personalities.
The veteran journalist leaves behind a rich legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
