Legendary broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela dies at 85

Legendary broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela has passed on at the age of 85 years.

According to reports from his family, the legendary passed away on Friday morning, February 7, 2025, while receiving treatment at a city hospital. 

He leaves behind a wife, Alice, and three children: Aida, Jimmy, and George.

Mbotela gained fame for his iconic show ‘Jee Huu ni Ungwana TV? which addressed issues of social etiquette and manners.

He had a long and distinguished career in Kenyan media, earning admiration for his ability to connect with audiences across generations and has graced television screens in a career spanning more than five decades.

Condolence messages

Following the news of this demise, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna took to his X official to express his sorrow describing Mbotela as a foremost patriot who truly loved Kenya.

“I was privileged to meet Mambo Mbotela, the legend himself. A foremost patriot who truly loved Kenya, he challenged me to remain steadfast on the side of truth and justice. I extend my condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace,” Edwin Sifuna.

“We join the rest of the Nation in mourning the passing on of veteran politician Leonard Mambo Mbotela this morning after a short illness. Mbotela’s rich legacy in the media industry spans for years. His articulation of issues and educative programs like Jee Huu Ni Uungwana.

“And Swahili programs on KBC radio ya Taifa 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” ODM party.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula in a heartfelt condolence message described Mbotela as a historian, a mentor, and a custodian of Kenya’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.

“I never imagined a day when Leonard Mambo 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.

“Growing up, Mbotela’s show, Je, Huu Ni Ungwana? was more than just a radio program it was a moment of reflection, a lesson in morality, and a guiding force for a society that needed constant reminders of dignity and decency. His mastery of Swahili, his eloquence, and his ability to capture the essence of our culture made him a giant in the industry.

“I remember hearing stories of how he started his journey in the 1960s at the Voice of Kenya (now KBC). His voice became the soundtrack of our national story, from moments of celebration to times of uncertainty. I still shudder at the thought of him being forced to announce the 1982 attempted coup on live radio, his courage, professionalism, and resilience in that moment proved his unwavering dedication to journalism.

“Mbotela was not just a broadcaster; he was a historian, a mentor, and a custodian of Kenya’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage. His influence extended beyond the studio, he shaped the media landscape and set standards for those who came after him.

“As I mourn his passing, I stand in solidarity with the journalists, broadcasters, and media practitioners who carry his legacy forward. The mic may be off, but his voice will forever echo in our hearts, in the history of Kenyan journalism, and in the lessons he left us. Rest well, Mzee Leonard Mambo Mbotela,”Wetang’ula mourned.