Veteran journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela has passed away.
His family, through his daughter-in-law Anne Mbotela, confirmed that the veteran radio presenter Leonard Mambo Mbotela passed away on Friday, February 7.
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The renowned broadcaster had been unwell for some time, and he breathed his last at around 9:30 on Friday at the age of 85.
He leaves behind a wife, Alice Mwikali and three children: Aida, Jimmy, and George.
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The legendary journalist was known for his popular radio and TV programme, Jee Huu ni Ungwana?, which aired on KBC radio and TV.
This programme was created in 1966 and enjoyed impressive coverage for about 55 years.
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Veteran Journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela is Dead
Mbotela retired from the state broadcaster in 2022. He had been on air for 58 years at the time of his retirement.
Speaking in a past interview on October 19, 2022, Leonard Mambo Mbotela shared how he came up with the famous slogan.
He explained that in 1966, while having lunch with colleagues at a popular eatery in Nairobi’s CBD, the uncouth behavior of one of his friends towards the waiters sparked a rebuke.
This moment of frustration led to the creation of the program, which has since aired for over five decades, promoting good manners and etiquette across Kenya.
Also Read: Leonard Mambo Mbotela Profile: Education Background, Family, Career and Age
Professional Career and Awards
Mbotela is also remembered for being forced, at gunpoint, to announce on radio that former President Daniel Arap Moi’s government had been overthrown during the failed 1982 coup.
He was also renowned for his engaging live commentary during football matches and national events, a role that has cemented his status as one of Kenya’s true broadcasting legends.
His passion for broadcasting was sparked by listening to notable broadcasters such as Simon D’Souza and Steven Kumu Joho. Mbotela’s broadcasting career began in 1964 when he joined Voice of Kenya (now KBC).
Despite not having a formal university degree in broadcasting, he excelled in the craft, immersing himself in the profession and learning on the job.
His talent and dedication helped him become one of Kenya’s most iconic broadcasters.
Also Read: Veteran Journalist Rasna Warah Dies
Before his time at KBC, Leonard Mambo Mbotela had brief stints at Kenya Weekly News and the East African Standard, where he honed his early journalism skills.
From 1984 to 1991, Mbotela served at the Presidential Press Unit, where he had direct interactions with then-President Daniel Arap Moi, further cementing his influence in Kenyan media.
He later returned to KBC, continuing his work as a producer and announcer, and solidified his legacy as one of Kenya’s most iconic broadcasters.
In a past interview, Mbotela once revealed that he would have gone into music if he didn’t pursue his radio career.
In 2023, former Sports CS Ababu Namwamba presented Leonard Mambo Mbotela with the Hongera Award and a Ksh1 million cash prize in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the nation.
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