LEONARD MAMBO MBOTELA: Donald Mbotela Opens About His Late Brother’s Life
Donald Mbotela, the younger brother of the late legendary writer Leonard Mambo Mbotela, has shared heartbreaking memories of his brother, who died on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the age of 85.
On the same day, Donald spoke with a local media station about Leonard’s final days and the family’s hopes for his recovery, not realizing that his situation would worsen.
“We knew that Leonard had been unwell for about three weeks. I travelled to Nairobi to help take care of him and watch over him,” Donald narrated.
“He would improve at times and then deteriorate again. But when he seemed to be getting better on Monday this week, I decided to return to Mombasa to attend to my duties.
“Namkumbuka kama mtu ambaye alikuwa anapenda sana nidhamu” Donald Mbotela, nduguye Leonard Mambo Mbotela pic.twitter.com/RstjXYgvR1
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) February 7, 2025
“On Thursday evening, we received news that he was feeling unwell again while still in the hospital. Then this morning, at around 9 am, we got a call from Nairobi informing us that our brother had passed away,” he recounted.
“We did not expect him to leave us. It was a shock because we thought he was recovering, only for his condition to worsen and take him from us.”
Donald revealed that Leonard had been suffering pneumonia and low blood pressure.
“He had pneumonia and low blood pressure. The doctors also said that his age contributed to his death because he was 85 years old,” Donald explained.
Man of Integrity
Beyond his brilliant profession, Donald regarded Leonard as a man who respected discipline and honesty, values that inspired his famous radio show, “Jee Huu Ni Ungwana?”
“I remember my brother as someone who valued discipline very much. Even when we were young, he always taught us to be disciplined. He never liked seeing people misbehave or mistreat others,” he stated.
“That is why he created the program “Jee Huu Ni Ungwana?” It was born from that principle. If he saw someone doing something wrong, he would call them out, correct them, or advise them.
“If you went to him with a problem, he would guide you, and by the time you left, you would feel completely at peace,” he added.
Leonard, the eldest of eight siblings, had a strong affinity for music.
Donald stated that he had been an active choir member at a young age, a gift he carried throughout his life.
“Leonard was a great singer. He loved music and started singing in the choir when he was a child,” Donald shared.
Mbotela leaves behind a widow, three children (one daughter, two sons), and five grandchildren.
A Powerful Broadcaster
Several national leaders expressed their sympathies when the media legend died.
President William Ruto hailed Mbotela as a brilliant and influential broadcaster who helped shape Kenya’s media environment.
“Mbotela will fondly be remembered for the integral role he played on our radio stations — through the mentoring of young broadcasters,” Ruto said.
Kenya’s former President, Uhuru Kenyatta, grieved the renowned journalist’s passing, describing him as a patriot and great Kenyan.
Former President Kenyatta mourns veteran broadcaster Mambo Mbotela
— Office of the 4th President of Kenya. (@4thPresidentKE) February 7, 2025
NAIROBI 7th February 2025: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela describing him as a legendary media personality whose contribution to the country’s media industry… pic.twitter.com/vBCPDzERFl
“Mzee Leonard Mambo Mbotela was a great Kenyan. He was a patriot who worked hard to ensure the public was well informed through his programmes especially that of ‘Je Huu Ni Ungwana?’,” Uhuru said.
“His voice will be remembered by many at the time the country was undergoing some political challenges. He came out as an assuring voice, calming the country and giving hope to the citizens that the future is bright.”
Raila paid Mbotela a moving homage on his X account, hailing him as a committed public servant who played an important role in informing, teaching, and entertaining Kenyans throughout his remarkable journalism career.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Leonard Mambo Mbotela this morning. Leonard, a veteran journalist and a broadcaster with immense influence in the media industry and the country as a whole, was a dedicated public servant who spent his life informing, educating, and…
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) February 7, 2025
He regarded Mbotela as a buddy and supporter.
“His popular educative program Jee, Huu Ni Ungwana? remains etched in the memory of many listeners as a moral compass on social relations,” Raila added.
“Leonard was not only a broadcaster but a friend and a supporter; my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the media fraternity.”
Mbotela was described by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula as a historian and mentor whose deep, authoritative voice influenced national discourse.
He recalled Mbotela’s bravery in broadcasting the attempted coup of 1982 live on the radio.
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“Mbotela was not just a broadcaster; he was a historian, a mentor, and a custodian of Kenya’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage,” he added.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna paid tribute to Mbotela as a real patriot who loved Kenya and inspired others to protect truth and justice.
I was privileged to meet Mambo Mbotela, the legend himself. A foremost patriot who truly loved Kenya, he challenged me to remain steadfast on the side of truth and justice. I extend my condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/hzmMEhokb1
— Edwin Sifuna (@edwinsifuna) February 7, 2025
“I was privileged to meet Mambo Mbotela, the legend himself,” Edwin Sifuna wrote on his X account.
“A foremost patriot who truly loved Kenya, he challenged me to remain steadfast on the side of truth and justice. I extend my condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.”
LEONARD MAMBO MBOTELA: Donald Mbotela Opens About His Late Brother’s Life
