Mambo Mbotela: Iconic voice that shaped a nation softly falls silent

Leonard Mambo Mbotela, a man whose voice has reverberated across Kenya’s airwaves for over five decades, stands as one of the country’s most beloved and iconic broadcasters. 

His career, spanning decades, shaped not only Kenya’s media industry but also the hearts of generations.  Mbotela’s distinctive, husky voice became a household presence.

As Mbotela himself said, “Radio paired with my voice is my God-given talent.”

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“In high school, I would cut newspaper clippings, compile news, and read them out to my classmates,” Mambo recalled in an earlier interview, a glimpse into his self-taught broadcasting roots. 

Broadcasting career

The skills he honed during these formative years would set the stage for his future career as one of Kenya’s most celebrated broadcasters.

Mambo Mbotela’s journey into professional broadcasting began in 1964 when fresh from his work as a trainee at the East African Standard. He later sought an opportunity at the Voice of Kenya (VOK), now known as Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).

He approached Simeone Ndesanjo, then the head of radio, who saw his potential and encouraged him to start as an announcer. 

He quickly gained popularity with his engaging and interactive programs such as ‘Salamu za Vijana’, ‘Uhalifu haulipi chochote’ and ‘Nini maoni yako’, all of which allowed him to connect with listeners and give them a platform to voice their opinions. 

This personal connection with his audience laid the groundwork for his iconic program “Je huu ni ungwana?” (Is this right?).

The idea for the program came to Mbotela during a visit to the Panafric Hotel in Nairobi in the late 1960s.

“One weekend after work on a Saturday, we went to Panafric Hotel with colleagues and friends. This was a hotel for the prominent people, and this was a rare event for us. We were used to our local Karumaindo. So one of my friends got impatient and started banging hard on the table. He was trying to attract the waiter. I could see the shock on the patron's faces. And I was thoroughly embarrassed. And so I turned to him and asked, ‘Je, huu ni ungwana?’’ said Mbotela in a previous interview.

The show’s first broadcast in 1966 sparked a conversation on civility, manners, and social issues. The program became an instant hit, and Mbotela’s distinctive voice and witty delivery became synonymous with the program. 

The format was simple yet effective — Mbotela would share stories of poor etiquette, then open the floor to listeners to share their own experiences, creating a space for dialogue and self-reflection.

One of the most harrowing chapters in Mbotela’s life occurred on August 1, 1982, during the infamous coup attempt that shook Kenya. At the time, Mbotela was the head of the Swahili/vernacular services at VOK. 

He was abducted from his home by rebel soldiers and taken to the station, where he was forced to announce that the government had been overthrown. 

With a gun held to his head, Mbotela read the statement, “From today, the government of Kenya has been overthrown…”

Amid the chaos, the broadcaster managed to escape, hiding under a table in a studio until the military arrived to restore order.

“Radio saved my life,” he reflects. The incident left a lasting impact on him, but it also cemented his role as a trusted voice for the nation. Despite the danger he faced, Mbotela continued to broadcast during the crisis, and his calming presence reassured a terrified nation.

In a rapidly changing media landscape, Mbotela’s commitment to high-quality, socially conscious radio remained unwavering. He voiced his concerns about modern broadcasting, emphasizing the importance of training and authenticity. 

“Modern-day radio is dominated by selfish individuals who only care for fame and money. This has made up personalities disinterested in making the society better,” Mboteta said. 

His advice for aspiring broadcasters was simple: “Be humble and prolific. If you have a show or job, don’t be satisfied there. Start another one.” 

Mbotela has always maintained that his goal was never personal fame but rather to serve his audience. 

“I want my legacy to be that I have impacted people positively, not just through my voice, but through the content that has challenged and changed societal norms,” he said.

In 1992, Mbotela was honoured with the Order of Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW), and in 2009, the government recognized his contribution to the media by naming him a national hero.

However, Mbotela believed that true recognition requires more than just symbolic gestures.

“The government hasn’t honoured me and many others like it should. We need land and jobs as most of us have the required expertise anyway,” he argued. Mambo passed on Friday, February 7 at 9 am.