Veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela has been feted with the prestigious Hongera Award for his contribution to the broadcasting industry.
The award was presented to the renowned former radio host by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports Ababu Namwamba on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
In a statement, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said the CS also presented a Ksh1 million token to the legendary broadcaster, famed for his ‘Je huu ni Ungwana’ program on the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) radio and TV, to support him with his medication.
“CS AbabuNamwamba today (Tuesday) visited the legendary broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela in his home, in Nairobi, where he took time to check on the health of the renowned broadcaster, present him with his Hongera Award and Ksh1 million in recognition for his contribution to the nation,” the ministry said.
CS Namwamba heaped praise on Mbotela, who also doubled up as a football commentator in his heydays, for mentoring many journalists in the country.
“Legends are forever. What a special blessing to visit with and drink from the fountain of wisdom of this incredible national hero of all time, the ever-green, irrepressible colossus Leonard Mambo Mbotela, he of the peerless “Je, huu ni Ungwana” fame.
“Support for Mbotela is a special salute to him and all our broadcasting greats who have left such an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of our nation. Live long Shujaa!” the CS wrote on X, formally Twitter.
Mbotela, 83, ruled the Kenya airwaves for more than 40 years.
Mbotela’s medical appeal
Mbotela’s medical plight went viral in November 2020 after he sought help from well-wishers to offset his Ksh1.1 million medical bill at a city hospital.
Mbotela was discharged from the hospital a few days later after retired President Uhuru Kenyatta cleared the bill.
