Legendary broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela laid to rest

Broadcasting legend Leonard Mambo Mbotela was laid to rest today at Lang’ata Cemetery in an emotional ceremony attended by family, friends, and members of the media fraternity.

The veteran broadcaster, renowned for his iconicshow “Je, Huu ni Ungwana?”, was celebrated for his immense contributions to Kenya’s journalism and broadcasting industry. Mbotela’s family eulogised him as a loving father, grandfather, and mentor whose influence extended far beyond the newsroom.

“I will definitely miss his jokes and his laughter,” said his granddaughter.

“He relied not on his fame or skill but on his discipline to leave an imitable legacy having stuck with his employer even when private media houses offered better remuneration and perks,” remarked his son, Jimmy Mbotela.

Friends and colleagues in the media fraternity celebrated Mambo Mbotela as a man whose impact will leave alasting impression on generations of Kenyans.

“Fare Thee Well, great legend of our times. We will remember you for your outstanding presentations in the newsroom, such as ‘Kadenge na Mpira’, ‘Je Huu ni Ungwana?’, ‘Dunia Imepasuka Wapi?’ and many others,” said Herbert Mwachilo, his nephew.

“He was a good man and a man that Kenyan men should read about, internalize, emulate and understand. When you are a pillar of a family, its starts with the home,” said Esther Passaris, the Nairobi Woman Representative.

During the burial, the National Heroes Council, of which Mbotela was a board member, renewed calls for the government to establish a dedicated fund to support national heroes, ensuring the welfare of these individuals and their dependants is safeguarded.

“There are things which have been said by the government, and there are some of the matters he was articulating. May we honour Leonard Mambo Mbotela,” said Charles Wambia, CEO of the National Heroes Council.

As Mbotela’s casket was lowered into the ground, mourners sang solemn hymns, and a moment of silence was observed in his honour.