Leonard Mambo Mbotela Dies At 85

Iconic media personality Leonard Mambo Mbotela has passed away aged 85, his family has confirmed.

Mbotela who has been ailing for a while now, took his last breath in the morning today at 9.30am at a hospital in Nairobi.

Mbotela was renowned for the radio program “Je, Huu ni Ungwana?” (Is this etiquette?), which he started in 1966 on the then Voice of Kenya (now Kenya Broadcasting Corporation – KBC). This program, focusing on social behavior and etiquette, ran for an astonishing 58 years until his retirement in 2022, making it one of the longest-running shows in Kenyan broadcasting history.

His voice was not just confined to this show; Mbotela was also known for his commentary during significant national events like independence celebrations, football matches, and even during the 1982 coup attempt where he was famously forced to broadcast the coup announcement. His career included stints at various media outlets, including The Standard newspaper before joining VOK as a reporter.

Health issues

Mbotela had been facing health challenges in recent years. A significant road accident in 2020 led to extended hospital stays and substantial medical bills. His health struggles continued to impact his life, yet he remained an active figure in Kenyan media and cultural life, receiving accolades for his contributions. In 2023, he was awarded the Hongera Award by the Kenyan government, acknowledging his service to the nation.

This is a developing story, more to follow..