President William Ruto has mourned the death of veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela.
In a statement on Friday, February 7, 2025, moments after the news of the journalist’s death came through, Ruto termed him as a gifted and powerful broadcaster who captured his audiences with his alluring voice.
“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 said.
The president affectionately recalled his pivotal role in mentoring young broadcasters as he extended his solace to Mbotela’s family and media fraternity.
“Mbotela will fondly be remembered for the integral role he played on our radio stations — through the mentoring of young broadcasters. Our thoughts are with the family, their loved ones and the media fraternity at this difficult time, Rest In Peace, Mzee Mbotela,” Ruto’s said.
According to his family, the legendary passed away on Friday morning, February 7, 2025, while receiving treatment at a city hospital.
He leaves behind a wife, Alice, and three children: Aida, Jimmy, and George.
Leaders mourn Mbotela
The president was joined by National Assembly speaker Moses Masika Wetangula and Edwin Sifuna who also paid their tributes to the deceased.
In an emotional tribute, Wetangula expressed his heartfelt sorrows, terming the journalist’s demise as a loss for not just for the media fraternity but the nation.
Wetangula also hailed Mbotela for his linguistic acumen and for shaping morals through his acclaimed Je Huu Ni Ungwana show.
“I never imagined a day when Leonard Mambo Mbotela’s voice would fade into silence. For decades, his deep, commanding tone filled our airwaves, shaping conversations, instilling values, and chronicling Kenya’s journey through history. Today, as I reflect on his passing, I feel the weight of this loss not just for the media fraternity but for the entire nation. Growing up, Mbotela’s show, Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?, was more than just a radio program it was a moment of reflection, a lesson in morality, and a guiding force for a society that needed constant reminders of dignity and decency. His mastery of Swahili, his eloquence, and his ability to capture the essence of our culture made him a giant in the industry,” Wetangula remarked in a statement on X.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna took to his X official to express his sorrow describing Mbotela as a foremost patriot who truly loved Kenya.
“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,” the senator said.
