Leonard Mambo Mbotela is widely regarded as one of the greatest journalists in Kenya’s history. Even today, his name remains synonymous with quality journalism and his legacy lives on through his many contributions to the field.
Born in 1940 in Mombasa, Mbotela began his career as a journalist in the 1980s. He quickly made a name for himself with his popular show “Je, Huu Ni Uungwana?”, which was aired on state-owned KBC Chanel 1 and KBC Radio Taifa. The program was one of the most watched in Kenya, and was known for its educational content.
Mbotela’s career was not without its challenges. In 1982, he was forced at gunpoint to announce on air that Moi’s government had been overthrown by a coup. Despite this, he continued to be one of the best journalists in Kenya throughout Moi’s regime and during Kibaki’s time as well.
In 2010, Mbotela began to fade from the public eye. It is believed that this was due to his advancing age and the need for him to take some time to relax. Today, he lives in Mombasa with his family and continues to enjoy a peaceful life. Despite some financial difficulties, he has been fortunate to have the support of well-wishers.
Mbotela’s contributions to journalism in Kenya are still highly regarded today. KBC continues to air some of his best programs and he remains a respected figure in the industry. We wish Leonard Mambo Mbotela a long and healthy life and thank him for his contributions to journalism in Kenya.
