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Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Ezekiel Mutua has shared his last memories with veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela, who passed away on the morning of February 7.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Mutua recalled attending an event in Nairobi with Mbotela, hosted by a leading media house. The two arrived at 3 PM and stayed until 10 PM, enjoying the evening together.
"I kept Leonard engaged throughout. We chatted, laughed, and danced," Mutua wrote, sharing photos from the event. "When the event was over, Leonard asked me to drop him home… It was my last time to see him. Fare ye well, Champion!"
Two days before Mbotela’s passing, Mutua had also posted about the veteran journalist’s 84th birthday celebration, organised by the Association of Professional Broadcasters (APB) and led by APB Chair Tabitha Mutemi. The event was a tribute to Mbotela’s legacy, attended by fellow media professionals who honoured his contributions to the industry.
"On his 84th birthday, members of the APB organised a befitting bash for the legendary broadcaster, the oldest member of the team," Mutua wrote. "We had an entire afternoon together, showering him with compliments and gifts. Speaker after speaker elucidated the immense influence that Leonard Mambo Mbotela had in their career and in shaping their personal values."
He added that the event was an opportunity to celebrate Mbotela’s life and career while he was still alive to appreciate it.
"In a sense, we gave Mambo his flowers when he could see and smell them," he said.
The APB had planned to make the birthday celebration an annual event, with the next one set for June. "Little did we know…!" Mutua wrote.
Mbotela, who had been ailing, passed away shortly after 9:30 AM on February 7. His daughter-in-law, Anne Mbotela, confirmed his passing to the press.
The veteran journalist was best known for his long-running radio and TV show Je Huu Ni Ungwana?, which became a household name in Kenya through the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). His powerful voice and storytelling skills made him an icon in sports commentary and national broadcasting.
Mutua paid tribute to Mbotela, saying, "Kenya is better because you lived. To the family, we say poleni sana. May God give you peace and comfort, and may Leonard Mambo Mbotela’s soul rest in eternal peace."
Mbotela is survived by his wife, Alice Mwikali, and their three children: George, Aida, and Jimmy Mbotela.
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