In the mid-morning of 7th February 2025, news outlets were awash with sad news. The patriarch of broadcast journalism in Kenya, Leonard Mambo Mbotela had breathed his last at Nairobi Hospital, where he had been admitted for treatment.
The octogenarian who had an illustrious career at KBC/VOK for over six decades died at around 9.30 a.m., according to his nephew Anne Mbotela.
News of his death spread fast and furious with Kenyans mourning him across several social media platforms, as a man whose authoritative voice defined radio broadcasting in the country, through football commentary and his all-time popular program 'Je, Huu Ni Ungwana', which castigated people of uncouth mannerisms.
The president of Kenya, William Ruto, described the fallen baobab as: "a gifted and powerful broadcaster whose alluring voice dominated our airwaves" He wrote on his Twitter.
Cutting his teeth in an era when radio was the primary source of news and entertainment for the country's majority, Mbotela became a household name during the 1970s and 1980s. His tenure as head of VOK radio in 1982 during the coup attempt placed him in a vintage position in the country's history.
On 31st July 1982, the bedroom window of his Ngara residence was knocked in the wee hours, some few minutes to 5 am. He could clearly see the person who was knocking, and identify him as a Mr. Wainaina, who was the corporation driver in the day. At first, he thought he was required at work, to either read news or for any other impromptu assignment, as he was the head of radio at the time. Still, in his pajamas, he went to open the front door, and that's when it dawned on him that something was amiss.
Wainaina wouldn't utter a word and could only manage an unintelligible stammer. However, he pointed his thumb behind him, and a quick scan revealed a soldier in full military gear, holding a gun with his finger on the trigger
"Leonard Mambo Mbotela, it is you? I am giving you three minutes to dress up, we leave, “roared the gunman, whom Mbotela came to learn later was the junta of the coup d'etat, Hezekiah Raballa Ochuka
They left with him, but not before the radio broadcaster asked his wife to pray for him, as he wasn't sure of his return. Mbotela was to be driven to the broadcasting house to announce the coup, which was later thwarted by forces loyal to the incumbent president, then Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi. According to his memoirs, ‘Je Huu Ni Ungwana', which featured a foreword by Musalia Mudavadi, Mambo Mbotela was born in Mombasa's Lady Grigg Hospital on 29th May 1940 and was named Leonard after a British missionary who had taught his father at Alliance Boys in the 1920s. The seasoned broadcaster began his radio career at the dawn of the country's independence in 1963. His flawless Swahili, delivered in a commanding voice, made him outstanding.
The national broadcaster also seconded him to the presidential press service, where he worked for several years, providing commentary on presidential functions that were broadcast live by KBC radio and TV via the OB van.Also captured in his memoirs is his dying thirst to work as a broadcaster, He says he couldn't envision himself having been anything else. It is worth noting that journalism in the days was not a walk in the park as technology was still in its nascent stages, among other challenges. The regime was also intolerant to criticism and the about to be announced news had to be vetted by State House operatives before being aired. This is much adrift to what's happening today.
In the days, press freedom only existed in the books of law. It is also worth noting the impartiality of his football commentary was on many occasions brought to the test, as he would omit sessions where his favorite team AFC Leopards was under siege, something which never went down well with the fans of Gor Mahia, a long-time nemesis.
Mbotela, who left behind a wife and three children, was a Yao, a small community that migrated from Malawi in Southern Africa in 1860 and settled in Mombasa. His eminence in radio journalism leaves indelible footprints in the industry and has undoubtedly inspired many.
BY JEROME OGOLA
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