Renowned veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela die aged 85 years
Veteran media personality Leonard Mambo Mbotela is dead.
He passed on this morning aged 85 years.
His family confirmed that he died at a Nairobi hospital where he was receiving treatment.
Mbotela, famously known for his iconic show “Je, Huu Ni Uungwana?” on the national broadcaster, was a household name with a career in radio and television that spanned several decades.
His distinctive voice filled the airwaves during live soccer commentaries and major national events, captivating audiences across the country.
The veteran journalist had been unwell for some time and he breathed his last at around 9:30 am today.
Mbotela was married to Alice Mwikali who together had three children: Aida Mbotela, Jimmy Mbotela and George Mbotela.
The legendary journalist was famed for his popular radio and TV programme dubbed “Jee Huuu ni Ungwana” which aired on KBC radio and TV.
The programme was created in 1966 and it enjoyed coverage for about 55 years.
Mbotela briefly worked with Kenya Weekly News and the East African Standard before joining KBC.
The veteran journalist was born in Freetown, Mombasa in 1940 to James and Aida Mbotela.
He was the firstborn in a family of eight children.
Having practised journalism for over five decades, a major highlight of his career is the 1982 coup that sought to overthrow then-President Danie Moi.
The operation saw some officers from the Kenya Air Force storm Mbotela’s house in Ngara where they captured him and led him to Voice of Kenya (VOK) studios where he was forced to announce that Moi’s government had been overthrown. Present while announcing was Private Hezekiah Ochuka.
The situation was however reversed after the GSU and later the regular Police led by Major General Mahamoud Mohamed thwarted the coup attempt and Mbotela was asked to announce that Moi was firmly in control of the country as President.
Various leaders led by President William Ruto have also eulogized him as a true patriot who truly loved Kenya.
President Ruto has expressed his condolences through his social media platform, saying the country is “devastated over the loss of one of Kenya’s gifted and powerful broadcaster whose alluring voice dominated the airwaves with his first-class football commentaries and his signature programme ‘Je Huu Ni Ungwana?’” he has also added that his thoughts and prayers are with family of the loved ones and the entire media fraternity.
Mbotela had been on air for 58 years, before he retired from the airwaves in 2022. He was the longest serving broadcaster.
The Informer Media Group condoles with Mbotela’s family and join’s the country and the world in mourning his demise as well as celebrating the life and times of Mbotela.
