Mambo Mbotela celebrated in funeral service for shaping society
Family members and the clergy gather for prayers around the casket bearing the remains of Leonard Mambo Mbotela during the requiem service at the All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi on February 14, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Just as in life, Mbotela, who died at the age of 84 years, was celebrated in death as a hero whose legacy continues to inspire.
- Late broadcaster celebrated for his profound impact on society through the iconic radio programme, Je, Huu ni Uungwana?
The memorial service at All Saints Cathedral on Friday February 14 was a fitting tribute to a true legend, Leonard Mambo Mbotela, the legendary radio presenter celebrated as the broadcaster of broadcasters.
Family, friends, colleagues, politicians and national leaders came together to honour the man behind the Je, Huu ni Uungwana? Series— where he rebuked bad behaviour and encouraged love for one another, patriotism, and common decency — with heartfelt tributes.
Just as in life, Mbotela, who died at the age of 84 years, was celebrated in death as a hero whose legacy continues to inspire.
The legendary broadcaster was celebrated for his profound impact on society through the iconic radio programme, Je, Huu ni Uungwana? which aired on KBC radio and later on television.
“This show was unique — it resonated deeply with our way of life, challenging us to reflect on our actions, our treatment of one another, and whether we upheld the values of a civilised society,” eulogised Dr Wilfred Kiboro, the Nation Media Group board chairman and a longtime friend of Mbotela.
Dr Kiboro highlighted how Je, Huu ni Uungwana? masterfully used humour to call out bad behaviour while promoting courtesy and respect in society.
Nation Media Group chairman Dr Wilfred Kiboro eulogises broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela during the requiem service at the All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi on February 14, 2025.
“The programme named and shamed those who acted without dignity, encouraging people to embrace civility and treat others with kindness,” Dr Kiboro remarked.
Reflecting on today’s world, he added, “This is something we sorely lack in our lives now. Just take a look at social media —some of the things people say are unprintable. This is not what Mbotela would have wished to see. He believed in uungwana—humanity in our interactions and how we relate to one another.”
“Our republic has lost a legend,” said Prof Edward Kisiang’ani, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, who represented Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo at the service.
Reflecting on Mbotela’s impact, Prof Kisiang’ani added, “From the heartfelt eulogies, it’s clear that Leonard Mambo Mbotela was more than just a patriot — he was a legend. In many democracies, such figures emerge perhaps once in a century. Those of us privileged to witness his life have something truly special to hold on to. As a government, we deeply appreciate his contributions, and we all agree—Kenya has lost an icon.”
Mbotela was a gifted broadcaster whose influence extended far beyond Je, Huu ni Uungwana?, noted Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani.
“For those of us who witnessed his work first-hand, his impact was much greater,” he said, adding that many connected with the broadcaster as a gifted football commentator.
The casket bearing the remains of Leonard Mambo Mbotela during the requiem service at the All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi on February 14, 2025.
KBC, where Mbotela became its signature voice of authority, eulogised him as a consequential broadcaster.
“We as the KBC family we have never seen an elderly person who has work ethic like Leonard Mambo Mbotela had. He never had that sense of entitlement despite his big name. As his supervisor and as a young man who could well pass for his grandchild, Mbotela could talk to me like a supervisor. That is something that I could wish for us to emulate,” shared Odongo Wandago, the head of KBC Radio Taifa.
Mbotela was more than just a journalist—he was a shining star who went above and beyond his profession, Mr Wandago added.
Mbotela’s sons, George and Jimmy, told of the passion of their father.
“Dad, the passion that you had for your job is unrivalled. Indeed, you were born to be a broadcaster. From the 1982 attempted coup to your sunset years going to the studio to record, ‘Je Huu ni Uungwana?’ the spirit of broadcasting was embroidered deep in you,” said his son George Mbotela in a tribute read by his elder brother Jimmy Mbotela.
One of the most defining moments of Mbotela’s illustrious career was his announcement of the failed 1982 coup d'état, a milestone that remains etched in Kenya’s history. He had been forced by rebel soldiers to make the announcement before Daniel Moi loyalists regained control.
Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris (left) and Alice Mwikali, widow of Leonard Mambo Mbotela view the late broadcaster's body during the requiem service at the All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi on February 14, 2025.
"His renowned broadcasts secured his place in the nation’s record books," his son Jimmy noted. "His eloquence, dedication, charisma, commanding voice, and mastery of the Kiswahili language did not go unnoticed. In recognition of his excellence, he was appointed to the Presidential Service in 1984. By the time he retired, he had graced the airwaves for an incredible 50 years."
This earned him prestigious accolades, including the Head of State Commendation and the Order of the Grand Warrior. In 2009, the government honored him as a national hero, and in 2022, this devoted AFC Leopards and Arsenal fan was named a member of the National Heroes Council.
“In 1982, following the attempted coup d'état, I remember opening the door when the rebels knocked. Everything happened so fast and I thought he was dead during the fracas. We thank Leonard for being the voice that saved the government, resulting in the coup’s failure,” recollected Alice Mbotela, his widow.
Pallbearers carry the casket bearing the remains of veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela out of the All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi after the requiem service on February 14, 2025.
In particular, Mbotela has left a huge gap at the National Heroes Council where he was a council member.
“His presence at the council comprised of excellence, praise, humility and wisdom. He was friendly and we shared many jokes. In every conversation his words were thoughtful and his actions spoke of integrity and selflessness. He upheld the values of patriotism, integrity and selflessness, which inspired those around him to emulate,” said Jimmy Angweyi, Chair National Heroes Council of Kenya in a statement read by a representative.
Humour was one of Mbotela’s super powers and he was generous with it, said his son Jimmy. “Many social functions were not complete without him, either as the MC or giving a speech. He had a special social flavour to every event and he knew how to get the crowd laughing.”
Mbotela lives behind a widow, Mama Alice Mbotela, and three children – Jimmy, Idah, George — and five grandchildren.