Mambo Mbotela’s Wife Recalls Moment Rebels Visited Their Home After 1982 Coup

The wife of Veteran journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela, Alice Mwikali, recounted the harrowing moment when military rebels visited their home during the attempted coup in 1982.

In her tribute read at Mbotela’s funeral service on February 14, Mwikali recalled opening the door for the rebels and fearing that her husband was dead.

“In 1982, during the attempted coup in Kenya, I remember opening the door when the rebels knocked. Everything happened so fast, and at one point, I thought he was dead amid the chaos that most Kenyans remember. We thank God for Leonard, whose voice helped save the government, leading to the coup’s failure,” Mwikali said.

In addition to recounting the events of the 1982 coup, Alice celebrated Mbotela as a husband who loved his family and children, a man who disliked conflict.

Leaders Pay Tribute to Mambo Mbotela

Mbotela’s memorial service was attended by dignitaries including Edward Kisiang’ani, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications in the Ministry of Information; ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna; former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo; and former Nation Media Group CEO Wilfred Kiboro.

Also Read: Mambo Mbotela’s Daughter Reveals Her Father’s Last Request Before Death

On his part, former NMG CEO Kiboro praised Mbotela as a man who made friends from all walks of life and described him as truly special.

Broadcasting and Telecommunications PS Kisiang’ani also joined in the tributes, noting that Mbotela left behind a legacy worth emulating.

“We all agree that this country has lost an icon, but he leaves behind a legacy that we should strive to emulate. His patriotism and commitment to work are commendable. The best way to celebrate him is to adopt his values in our own lives,” Kisiang’ani stated.

Mambo Mbotela passed away at the age of 84 on February 7, 2025, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.

He was a celebrated media personality, best known for his iconic TV and radio show “Je, Huu ni Ungwana?” which addressed societal morals and values.

About 1982 Coup

The 1982 Kenyan coup occurred on August 1, when a faction of the Kenya Air Force, led by Senior Private Hezekiah Ochuka, attempted to overthrow then President Daniel Arap Moi’s government.

Also Read: Veteran Journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela Dies

The rebels managed to seize control of several key locations, including the headquarters of the state-owned radio station KBC, where they announced the coup.

However, the coup was short-lived, as government forces quickly regrouped and retook control of the key installations. The coup attempt ultimately failed, and Hezekiah Ochuka along with other coup leaders were later captured, tried, and executed for their roles in the uprising.

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