Mambo Mbotela celebrated as selfless and loving figure

The late broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela was selfless and loving figure. Those were the exact descriptions by speakers Friday during a memorial service in Nairobi. 

In a service that was held at All Saints Catherdral, Mbotela was also praised for his impact in journalism career to those he directly interacted with and his loyal audience.

The late Mbotela famed for his "Je Huu ni Ungwana" show died on Friday, February 7, aged 85, at a Nairobi hospital after a short illness.

For a long time, his voice reverberated across the country's airwaves during his heydays as a radio and TV presenter at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (formerly Voice of Kenya) through his famous programme.”

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His son, Jimmy Mbotela remembered the iconic journalist as a dependable father with humor lit the hearts of many with joy. 

"Humour was one of Mambo Mbotela's superpowers alongside his wide signature smile that had its trademark 'mwanya'. No major family functions were complete without him," he recalled. 

Adding, "his passion for radio goes back to when he was a child. He used to improvise with soda bottles and exercise books, turning them into microphones and his own version of reading the news."

Clinton Mbotela, Mbotela's grandson, celebrated him as a "strict disciplinarian" and a figure whose teachings built a strong foundation that helped shape their lives and on to which their future is anchored. 

"He was a very humble person who taught us that it doesn't hurt to respect people. His teaching will help us to be better people and not only to ourselves but to other generations," he shared. 

Government leaders, politicians and journalists alike, were among the souls that also gathered at the solemn event to pay tribute to Mbotela. 

ICT Principal Secretary Edward Kisiangani eulogised Mbotela as a patriot whose legacy will be felt among future generations.

"The country has lost an icon but leaves a legacy worth emulating. He was not only a patriot but also a legend," Kisiangani noted.

He added,"The best way to celebrate him is to pick these values and make them part and parcel of our life. That's the 'Ungwana' he talked about,"

Editors Guild President Zubeidah Kananu, Media Council of Kenya Chief Executive David Omwoyo among others were also present. 

Head of Radio Taifa (KBC), Wandago Odongo,  remembered Mbotela as a humble and respectful person who did not look down upon others despite his big name.

He challenged his fellow journalists to cut a niche for themselves as Mbotela did to continue his legacy. 

Mbotela is survived by one wife Alice, and three children: Aida, Jimmy, and George. He will be laid on Saturday 15, at Langata cemetery, Nairobi.