Veteran radio broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela has passed away at the age of 85. His death, following a brief illness, was confirmed by his family on Friday, January 7.
Mbotela was a well-known figure in Kenya’s broadcasting industry, best recognized for hosting the iconic program “Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?” on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Radio Taifa and TV. 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’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan radio, leaving behind a lasting impact on the country’s media landscape.
