Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga paid respects to the family of renowned Kenyan journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela on Saturday, following the broadcaster's death on February 7, 2025. Video footage obtained by the Star showed Odinga offering condolences to the bereaved family. Mbotela passed away at 9:30 am after battling illness.
The death prompted an outpouring of tributes from Kenya's top leadership. President William Ruto praised Mbotela as a gifted broadcaster whose distinctive voice captivated audiences through football commentary and his signature program "Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?" Ruto emphasized Mbotela's enduring legacy in mentoring emerging broadcasters across Kenya's radio stations.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki characterized Mbotela's passing as a profound loss, highlighting his decades-long dominance of Kenyan airwaves. Kindiki acknowledged Mbotela's exceptional command of Kiswahili and his influential role in promoting social order through his popular program.
Odinga commemorated Mbotela's dedication to public service, noting his exceptional ability to inform, educate, and entertain. The former Prime Minister particularly commended Mbotela's dynamic football commentary and the lasting impact of "Je Huu ni Ungwana" on Kenyan society.
Mbotela's celebrated program "Je Huuu ni Ungwana" aired on KBC radio and television for approximately 55 years since its inception in 1966. His distinguished career included tenures at Kenya Weekly News and the East African Standard before his influential role at KBC.
Born in 1940 in Freetown, Mombasa, to James and Aida Mbotela, the veteran journalist led a family of eight children as the firstborn. His passing marks the end of an era in Kenyan broadcasting, leaving behind a rich legacy in journalism and public service.
The death prompted an outpouring of tributes from Kenya's top leadership. President William Ruto praised Mbotela as a gifted broadcaster whose distinctive voice captivated audiences through football commentary and his signature program "Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?" Ruto emphasized Mbotela's enduring legacy in mentoring emerging broadcasters across Kenya's radio stations.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki characterized Mbotela's passing as a profound loss, highlighting his decades-long dominance of Kenyan airwaves. Kindiki acknowledged Mbotela's exceptional command of Kiswahili and his influential role in promoting social order through his popular program.
Odinga commemorated Mbotela's dedication to public service, noting his exceptional ability to inform, educate, and entertain. The former Prime Minister particularly commended Mbotela's dynamic football commentary and the lasting impact of "Je Huu ni Ungwana" on Kenyan society.
Mbotela's celebrated program "Je Huuu ni Ungwana" aired on KBC radio and television for approximately 55 years since its inception in 1966. His distinguished career included tenures at Kenya Weekly News and the East African Standard before his influential role at KBC.
Born in 1940 in Freetown, Mombasa, to James and Aida Mbotela, the veteran journalist led a family of eight children as the firstborn. His passing marks the end of an era in Kenyan broadcasting, leaving behind a rich legacy in journalism and public service.
