Renowned Kenyan broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela has passed away at the age of 84. He died on the morning of February 7, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m., after a short illness. His family confirmed that he had been hospitalized for the past two weeks.
Born in Mombasa in 1940, Mbotela’s illustrious career in journalism spanned over six decades. He was best known for his iconic program “Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?” on the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), a show that delved into societal morals and etiquette.
In 1982, during an attempted coup in Kenya, Mbotela was compelled by rebels to announce the overthrow of President Daniel arap Moi on live television, a moment that remains etched in the nation’s history.
Mbotela is survived by his wife, Alice Mwikali, and their three children: Aida, Jimmy, and George. His legacy as a pioneer in Kenyan broadcasting and his contributions to media and society will be remembered and cherished by many.
For more on his life and legacy, you can watch the following video:
