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Veteran Broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela is Dead.
His death was confirmed by his daughter-in-law, Anne Mbotela.
Mbotela, who had been ill for some time, died around 9:30 am on Friday.
“It is true my father-in-law has passed on,” Anne told media.
Mbotela was married to Alice Mwikali, with whom he had three children: Aida, Jimmy, and George Mbotela.
The renowned journalist was widely known for his popular radio and TV show Jee Huuu ni Ungwana, which aired on KBC radio and TV. The program, which began in 1966, enjoyed a remarkable 55-year run.
Mbotela briefly worked with Kenya Weekly News and the East African Standard before joining KBC.
Born in 1940 in Freetown, Mombasa, to James and Aida Mbotela, he was the eldest of eight children.
With a journalism career spanning more than 50 years, a significant moment in his career occurred during the 1982 coup attempt to overthrow then-President Daniel arap Moi. During the coup, some Kenya Air Force officers stormed Mbotela’s home in Ngara, captured him, and forced him to announce that Moi’s government had been overthrown on Voice of Kenya (VOK) studios. Private Hezekiah Ochuka was present during the announcement.
However, the coup was eventually foiled by the GSU and later regular police led by Major General Mahamoud Mohamed, prompting Mbotela to announce that Moi was still in power as President.
