Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has visited the family of veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela to offer his condolences following the journalist’s death on February 7, 2025.
The 85-year-old celebrated Swahili broadcaster, known for his iconic radio program ‘Jee Huu Ni Ungwana?, succumbed to pneumonia and low blood pressure complications, according to his brother Donald Mbotela.
Odinga’s visit to the family’s residence on February 8, 2025, followed his heartfelt tribute the previous day, where he remembered Mbotela as both a supporter and friend.
“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,” Odinga wrote.
Final days
Speaking to a local media station on February 7, 2025, Donald Mbotela detailed his brother’s final days, revealing the family’s hope for recovery that was ultimately dashed.
“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,” Donald recounted.
“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,” he added.
Legacy of discipline
Donald remembered his brother as a disciplinarian whose principles inspired his famous radio program.
“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?’” he shared.
He added that Leonard, the eldest of eight siblings, was also a talented musician who began his singing career in the choir as a child.
Mbotela is survived by his widow, three children—one daughter and two sons—and five grandchildren.
