Calls to have iconic heroes burial corner mount as Mambo Mbotela burial is set for Lang’ata
The Speaker proposed the establishment of a designated burial site for Kenya's national heroes as he expressed his frustration over the planned burial of the veteran broadcaster at Lang'ata Cemetery, a public graveyard known for its congestion.
The push to have a heroes burial corner for Kenya’s fallen heroes has gained momentum ahead of the burial of legendary broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela at the Lang’ata Cemetery.
The latest to express disappointment over the burial of the icon at the Lang’ata Cemetery is National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
The Speaker proposed the establishment of a designated burial site for Kenya’s national heroes as he expressed his frustration over the planned burial of the veteran broadcaster at Lang’ata Cemetery, a public graveyard known for its congestion.
“The country needs a hero’s corner to bury people like broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela. It is disheartening to hear that we are going to bury a broadcaster in Lang’ata Cemetery; probably his grave will be on top of a grave knowing how crowded the place is,” the speaker stated.
He urged Parliament to observe a moment of silence in honor of the late radio journalist who passed away last Friday while receiving treatment in Nairobi.
However, some Kenyans are opposed to setting the burial corner for the heroes as they say ‘corrupt leaders may end up on the sites.
“As long as you do not bury corrupt political leaders there…” Duncan Maiche says.
When the family of the late broadcaster announced that he would be buried at Lang’ata, Kenyans expressed their disappointment questioning why a state burial ceremony was not even being held for the fallen legend.
Here in Kenya, we should set this day to celebrate the legacy of Legendary Leonard Mambo Mbotela. Or we just set aside a special day for that. “Mambo Mbotela Day” to mark the impact of radio on the Kenyan communities,” Mwalili said.
Mbotela’s career spanned over five decades, making him one of Kenya’s most influential broadcasters.
His dedication to journalism, mastery of Kiswahili, and commitment to educating the public made him a towering figure in the industry.
Mbotela was a legendary media personality best known for his long-running radio and TV programme ‘Je, huu ni ungwana?’, which aired on VOK, later renamed KBC, for about 55 years.
Before joining KBC, he briefly worked with Kenya Weekly News and The East African Standard.
Born in 1940 in Freetown, Mombasa to James and Aida Mbotela, he was the firstborn in a family of eight children and he is succeeded by three children and a widow.
