Written By Lisa Murimi
Renowned media personality Leonard Mambo Mbotela has passed away at the age of 85.
His daughter-in-law, Anne Mbotela, confirmed his demise, stating that he succumbed to illness while receiving treatment at a city hospital.
Mbotela’s broadcasting career, which spanned over five decades, left an indelible mark on Kenyan media.
He was best known for his iconic show Je, Huu ni Uungwana?, launched in 1966, which captivated audiences by addressing social etiquette and manners.
The program became one of the longest-running shows in Kenyan media history, airing on KBC radio for decades.
Mbotela’s passion for broadcasting began in school, where he read news clippings to his classmates.
He later trained at The Standard in Nakuru before joining the Voice of Kenya (VoK), now KBC, in 1964.
A defining moment in his career came during the 1982 attempted coup, when rebels forced him to announce the overthrow of President Moi’s government.
His calm demeanor and trusted voice saw him tasked with announcing the government’s restoration after the coup was quashed.
Recognized as a national hero, Mbotela received numerous accolades, including the Head of State Commendation and the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya.
His legacy will forever be cherished in Kenya’s media landscape.
