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Kenyan media icon Leonard Mambo Mbotela, whose voice and wisdom shaped generations, has died at the age of 85. The legendary broadcaster, renowned for his iconic program “Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?” (“Is This Civilized?”), breathed his last on Friday morning, February 7, after a short illness, his family confirmed1913.
Mbotela’s career spanned an unparalleled 58 years at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), where he became a household name. Born in 1940 in Freetown, Mombasa, he joined the then-Voice of Kenya (VoK) in 1964 and quickly rose to prominence with his unique blend of humor, social commentary, and moral guidance.
His signature show, “Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?”, launched in 1966, became Kenya’s longest-running radio program, addressing etiquette, societal norms, and cultural values for over five decades.
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Mbotela’s career was marked by moments of extraordinary courage. During the failed 1982 coup attempt against President Daniel Arap Moi’s government, he was forcibly taken to KBC studios at gunpoint by rebels and ordered to announce the overthrow of the regime. Hours later, as loyalist forces regained control, he returned to the airwaves to reassure the nation, demonstrating his composure under pressure and unwavering dedication to truth.
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Beyond broadcasting, Mbotela authored a memoir titled “Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?”, chronicling his journey and Kenya’s evolving social fabric. His catchphrase became a national rallying call for self-reflection, echoing in classrooms, workplaces, and homes. In 2023, he received the Hongera Award for his contributions to media and culture, a testament to his indelible mark on Kenyan society.
Mbotela’s retirement in 2022 marked the end of an era, but his legacy remains lives on in the hearts of millions of Kenyans. As the nation mourns, his family has announced that funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days. On behalf of the KaziNiKazi Digital Editorial team, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
The post Veteran Broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela Passes Away at 85 first appeared on KaziNiKazi Digital and is written by KNKDigital.