President William Ruto has extended his condolences to the family and friends of media personality Leonard Mambo Mbotela following his death.
Mbotela, as confirmed by his family, breathed his last at around 9:30am on Friday, February 7, at the age of 85.
Taking to X, President Ruto mourned him as a gifted and powerful broadcaster.
"We are heartbroken by the death of veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela. He was a gifted and powerful broadcaster whose alluring voice dominated our airwaves with his first-class football commentaries and the signature programme Je, Huu Ni Ungwana? Rest in peace, Mzee Mbotela," said Ruto.The president added Mbotela will fondly be remembered for the integral role he played on radio stations through the mentoring of young broadcasters.
His career spanned an impressive 58 years, during which he became a household name. He retired from KBC in 2022, marking the end of a long and influential career in radio.
Born in Mombasa in 1940, Mbotela began his broadcasting journey in 1964 when he joined the then Voice of Kenya (VoK), which is now known as KBC.
Over the years, he became a key figure in the industry, admired for his distinct voice and remarkable storytelling skills.
Mbotela is also remembered for his role during the tumultuous 1982 coup attempt, when he was forced at gunpoint to announce on air that President Daniel arap Moi’s government had been overthrown. His courage in the face of such danger further solidified his legacy as one of Kenya’s most respected broadcasters.
Mbotela was married to Alice Mwikali who together had three children: Aida Mbotela, Jimmy Mbotela and George Mbotela.
