Legendary broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela buried at Lang'ata Cemetery

Legendary broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela was on Saturday laid to rest at the Lang'ata Cemetery as friends and colleagues joined the family in bidding the broadcaster a final farewell.

Mbotela, known for his iconic presence on the airwaves, was laid to rest in an emotional ceremony marking the end of an era.

However, his dedication and passion for broadcasting leave an indelible mark in the hearts of many, as his voice on the airwaves defined generations.

The legend will be remembered for his famous program ‘Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?’

"Tumekubali Mungu amempenda baba zaidi kuliko sisi. Mungu ametupa baba miaka themanini na nne. Ingefika tarehe ishirini na tisa, mwezi wa tano, baba angekuwa na miaka themanini na tano. Kwa hiyo miaka ambayo ametupatia, tunamwambia Mungu asante kwa sababu yeye ndiye anapeana na yeye ndiye anachukua,” said Jimmy Mbotela, the deceased’s son.

National Heroes Board Chairperson Dr. Adan Wachu, on his part, said, “Mungu ampeleke mahali pema peponi kwa yale yote huyu mwenzetu mzee aliyoyatenda akiwa hai katika dunia hii. Hiyo ndiyo itamfaa pale mbele. Kwa hivyo, asanteni sana, tuko nanyi familia, na tunawafariji kwa hali ya juu."

Fria Town community members however took issue with the burial site of Mbotela, noting that he should have been laid amidst his kinsfolk.

"Lakini kila mmoja anauliza, 'Kwa nini Lenny hazikwi huko kwetu Fria Town, ambako wakubwa wetu wote walizikwa?' Hilo kitu limetusumbua sana, na hata ndugu yangu Leonard hapa amejitahidi kutuambia, lakini ilitugusa sana. Anyway, hiyo ishafanyika. Ningeomba tu huko mbele watu wa Fria Town, tafadhali, akifa huku, service ifanywe Nairobi lakini mwili mtuletee Fria Town wazee wake walipo lala," Fria Town Community chairman Eric Levi said.

Mbotela, passed away on Friday last week at around 9:30 a.m. after a long illness.

According to his younger brother Donald Mbotela, the celebrated broadcaster had been hospitalised for the last two weeks.

He had a long and distinguished career in Kenyan media, earning admiration for his ability to connect with audiences across generations.

The deceased has left behind a wife, Alice, and three children: Aida, Jimmy, and George.