Donald Mbotela, the younger brother of the late veteran journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela, has shared heartfelt memories about his brother following his passing on the morning of Friday, February 7, 2025, at the age of 85.
In an interview with a local media station on the same day, Donald talked about Leonard’s final days and the family’s hope for his recovery, unaware that his condition would worsen.
“We knew that Leonard had been unwell for about three weeks. I travelled to Nairobi to help take care of him and watch over him. He would improve at times and then deteriorate again. But when he seemed to be getting better on Monday this week, I decided to return to Mombasa to attend to my duties. On Thursday evening, we received news that he was feeling unwell again while still in the hospital. Then this morning, at around 9 am, we got a call from Nairobi informing us that our brother had passed away. We did not expect him to leave us. It was a shock because we thought he was recovering, only for his condition to worsen and take him from us,” he recounted.
Donald disclosed that Leonard had been battling pneumonia and low blood pressure.
“He had pneumonia and low blood pressure. The doctors also said that his age contributed to his death because he was 85 years old,” Donald explained.
Man of integrity
Beyond his illustrious career, Donald described Leonard as a man who valued discipline and integrity, qualities that inspired his iconic radio program, “Jee Huu Ni Ungwana?”
“I remember my brother as someone who valued discipline very much. Even when we were young, he always taught us to be disciplined. He never liked seeing people misbehave or mistreat others. That is why he created the program “Jee Huu Ni Ungwana?” It was born from that principle. If he saw someone doing something wrong, he would call them out, correct them, or advise them. If you went to him with a problem, he would guide you, and by the time you left, you would feel completely at peace,” he said.
Leonard, who was the eldest of eight siblings, had a deep passion for music.
According to Donald, he had been an avid choir member from a young age, a talent he carried throughout his life.
“Leonard was a great singer. He loved music and started singing in the choir when he was a child,” Donald shared.
Mbotela leaves behind a widow, three children—one daughter and two sons—and five grandchildren.
A powerful broadcaster
Following his passing, several national leaders expressed condolences for the media icon’s death.
President William Ruto described Mbotela as a gifted and powerful broadcaster who played a key role in shaping Kenya’s media landscape.
“Mbotela will fondly be remembered for the integral role he played on our radio stations — through the mentoring of young broadcasters,” Ruto said.
Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned the death of the veteran journalist, calling him a patriot and a great Kenyan.
“Mzee Leonard Mambo Mbotela was a great Kenyan. He was a patriot who worked hard to ensure the public was well informed through his programmes especially that of ‘Je Huu Ni Ungwana?’ His voice will be remembered by many at the time the country was undergoing some political challenges. He came out as an assuring voice, calming the country and giving hope to the citizens that the future is bright,” Uhuru said.
In a heartfelt tribute posted on his X account, Raila hailed Mbotela as a dedicated public servant who played a crucial role in informing, educating, and entertaining Kenyans throughout his distinguished career in journalism.
He described Mbotela as both a friend and a supporter.
“His popular educative program Jee, Huu Ni Ungwana? remains etched in the memory of many listeners as a moral compass on social relations. Leonard was not only a broadcaster but a friend and a supporter; my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the media fraternity,” Raila added.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula referred to Mbotela as a historian and mentor whose deep, commanding voice shaped national conversations.
He recalled Mbotela’s bravery in announcing the attempted coup of 1982 live on radio.
“Mbotela was not just a broadcaster; he was a historian, a mentor, and a custodian of Kenya’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage,” he added.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna in his tribute praised Mbotela as a true patriot who loved Kenya and encouraged others to uphold truth and justice.
“I was privileged to meet Mambo Mbotela, the legend himself. A foremost patriot who truly loved Kenya, he challenged me to remain steadfast on the side of truth and justice. I extend my condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace,” Edwin Sifuna wrote on his X account.
