The late Leonard Mambo Mbotela’s daughter Idah Mbotela has revealed the journalists’ last request before his passing.
While recounting the last conversation she had with her father moments before he passed on, Idah stated that Mbotela asked for forgiveness.
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“You held my hand lightly and said to us who were at the hospital. ‘Nisameheeni’ (forgive me),” said Idah in her tribute.
Idah recounts her last moments with Mbotela
Idah stated that she could not comprehend why her father kept on asking for forgiveness while on his bed.
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“While I could not understand why you kept saying that at the time, now I understand that you were saying I should forgive you because you were leaving me and I will never see you again,” stated the daughter.
Also Read: Veteran KBC Journalist is Dead
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Idah recounted that she was the last person Mbotela talked to about his passing, despite him not being able to speak before. She stated that his health was deteriorating by the day, and the late journalist could not feed normally.
“Miraculously Dad, you granted me the greatest honour of my life. When I arrived and asked you who I was just to test whether you could recognize me, you smiled and surprised me and spoke,” stated Idah.
Mambo Mbotela dies at 84 years
“You went on to ask me three questions, how are you? When did you arrive? And who met you at the airport?” she added.
“Despite you not eating for several days, somehow you drank all the soup that I brought you. I will cherish this moment forever; I fed you your last meal,” she stated.
Also Read: Veteran Journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela Dies
Mbotela passed on the morning of Friday 7, 2025, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital. The broadcaster had been hospitalized for two weeks before his demise. He passed on at the age of 84 years.
He leaves behind his wife Alice and his three children; Idah, George, and Jimmy. His memorial service was held at the All-Saints Cathedral church in Nairobi before his planned interment at the Lang’ata Cemetry on February 15, 2025.
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