NIROBI, KENYA — Legendary Kenyan journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela, beloved for his iconic “Jee Huu ni Ungwana” TV segment on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Radio Taifa and TV, passed away aged 84 on the morning of February 7, at approximately 9:30 a.m. after a prolonged illness.
Mbotela, a veteran of Kenyan media, had been hospitalized for the past two weeks, according to his brother, Donald Mbotela.
His daughter-in-law, Anne Mbotela, also confirmed his passing to the press.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mbotela captivated audiences of all ages with his unique style and engaging delivery. His contributions to Kenyan media earned him widespread admiration and respect.
He retired from the state broadcaster in 2022.
Mbotela enjoyed a remarkable career spanning 58 years in broadcasting before his retirement. Born in Mombasa in 1940, he joined the Voice of Kenya (VoK), the predecessor of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), in 1964.
A poignant moment in his career occurred during the failed 1982 coup attempt, when he was coerced at gunpoint to announce on radio that the government of former President Daniel arap Moi had been overthrown.
Mbotela is survived by his wife, Alice Mwikali, and their three children: Aida, Jimmy, and George.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto has joined the nation in mourning the loss of veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela.
In a social media post, the President extended his deepest sympathies to Mbotela’s family and paid tribute to his significant contributions to Kenyan media.
“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?,” Ruto wrote on X.
