Leonard Mambo Mbotela, who dedicated over five decades to journalism and became Kenya’s longest-serving broadcaster, is survived by his wife, Alice Mwikali, and their three children.
He was an illustrious Kenyan journalist whose career spanned over five decades, hence one of the most powerful voices that have been heard within the country’s media circles.
Highlights
- Leonard Mambo Mbotela was an accomplished Kenyan journalist who served at Voice of Kenya.
- He was married to his wife, Alice Mbotela in the 1970s and the two were together for many years.
- Mbotela and his wife were blessed with three children: Aida Mbotela, Jimmy Mbotela, and George Mbotela.
Mbotela joined Voice of Kenya, now Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, in 1964 and instantly became a household name.
He was best known for his iconic radio show “Je Huu ni Ungwana?”, which he began in 1966 and up to date airs on KBC radio.
He further perfected his expertise through training at the British Broadcasting Corporation, London, in 1967, to add to his knowledge of journalism.
Leonard Mambo Mbotela had been married to his wife, Alice mbotela for decades
The late KBC anchor, Leonard Mambo Mbotela was married to his wife, Alice Mbotela for many years, and the couple exchanged their wedding vowels in the 1970s.
Nevertheless, his wife has always loved living in their rural home for many years which was revealed during an interview.
Veteran Journalist, Leonard Mambo Mbotela. pic.twitter.com/jfNsjutMa6
— Rodgers Kipembe Mpuru (@RodgersKipembe) November 17, 2024
She lives in our rural home, she loves the peace there..
Furthermore, the news reporter has always complemented his long-time partner saying she is admirable and has good traits.
Ours has been a great marriage so far. It has stayed strong because we have involved God in it, and even when i married my wife she had good character. Partners should work to cultivate good charcter as individuals, because that is what sustains the marriage…
Additionally, the radio journalist’s wife Alice is a huge fan of his programs on the radio and he immediately falls in love with her when she visits him in the studios.
His wife is currently mourning his d*ath and the news must have been excruciating for her to deal with.
Leonard Mambo Mbotela And His Wife were blessed with three children
Leonard Mambo Mbotela and his wife, Alice Mbotela are blessed with three kids in their marriage: Aida Mbotela, Jimmy Mbotela, and George Mbotela.
His two sons and daughter must be struggling to come to terms with the news of his demise.
Celebrating LEONARD MAMBO MBOTELA.
My two favorite Media parents. Majee loved to dance.He will dance in heaven for aye!
RIP my friend. pic.twitter.com/5GqLfQ81gR
— Catherine Ndonye HSC (@CatherineNdonye) February 7, 2025
In interviews, the star has talked about his kids growing up, and focusing on their careers which made his life dull.
My kids are all grown up so I have more time and space to concentrate on my jobs. My lifestyle is not as tedious as it seems. I’ve been doing this a long time, so every part of it, is me.
Many have sent their tributes to their legend saying:
I have received the news of the demise of veteran journalist Mzee Leonard Mambo Mbotela with great shock. Leonard Mambo Mbotela remains a household name in Kenya’s journalism and the entire communication spectrum.
Others add:
Back then when Leonard Mambo Mbotela was narrating how they came to pick him up to announce the new President during the attempted coup in 1982 Rest in peace Legend
Additional Information
- Leonard Mambo Mbotela’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million as of 2025.
- His son is married to his daughter-in-law, Anne Mbotela who announced his d*ath.
- He passed away at 85 on February 7, 2025, due to a short illness which was not revealed.
