Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports Ababu Namwamba visited the legendary broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela in his Nairobi home, where he took time to check on the health of the renowned broadcaster.In the lovely snaps he shared, the Ababu also gave Kenyans a glimpse into Mbotela’s beautiful home and gorgeous compound.During the Tuesday, October 24 visit, Namwamba presented him with his Hongera Award and KSh 1 million in recognition of his contribution to the nation.
In a statement posted on the ministry’s official X account, the CS and the legendary broadcaster, famed for his ‘Je Huu Ni Uungwana’ programme, reminisced about the good old days of radio broadcasting, especially sports commentary.
A few months ago, Chief Justice Martha Koome witnessed the swearing-in of Leonard Mambo Mbotela as a member of the National Heroes Council following his appointment last month.
The CJ said it is imperative that we celebrate and appreciate our heroes and heroines since our national story is largely the story of the contribution of our heroes to the project of nation building.
“We can build a new culture and practice of identifying, celebrating and supporting our unsung heroes and heroines when they’re still with us,” she said.
Mbotela worked for the Kenya Weekly News as a trainee reporter and the East Africa Standard newspaper before joining Kenya Broadcasting Corporation then Voice of Kenya where he was made a full-time employee in 1964, the lowest moment of his carrier was August 1, 1982, during the attempted coup.
He is married to Alice Mbotela, they are blessed with three children: Ida, Jimmy, and George. His ‘Je Huu ni Ungwana Show on Radio Taifa and KBC TV’ is the longest in the history of Kenyan media industry.
The Show has been running for over 50 years.