The Legendary Broadcast Journalist, Leonard Mambo Mbotela, has been eulogised as a disciplinarian and a virtuous person by his family in Mombasa.
The late renowned journalist was catapulted to stardom during the 1982 coup attempt and was a household name in the country because of his ‘Je, huu ni ungwana’ programme.
Donald Mbotela, a younger brother of the late broadcaster, says they knew their brother had been indisposed for the last two weeks and had been admitted to the Nairobi South Hospital.
He disclosed that when his condition improved, he returned to Mombasa after nursing him for days, but yesterday, his condition deteriorated, and he passed away Friday morning.
“We were shocked; we didn’t expect it. We left him while his condition was improving. We didn’t expect his untimely demise. He was suffering from low blood pressure, and doctors said old age contributed to his disease,” stated Donald Mbotela at his home in Changamwe, Mombasa.
He revealed that his late brother was a disciplinarian, which is also espoused in his famous broadcast programme ‘Je, huu ni ungwana?’
“He was fond of giving us impactful advice; he also liked to know how his kin were doing in Mombasa,” said Donald Mbotela.
The only surviving brother of the late Mbotela will depart to Nairobi tonight to join in the burial preparations.
“He spent all his life in Nairobi. When we meet, we will decide whether we will bury him in Nairobi or Mombasa,” explained Donald Mbotela.
Mary Mbotela described her late brother-in-law as a sociable person who disliked indecorous behaviours in society.
“I will remember my elder father as kind and generous, but what stands out is that he was a jovial person,” said James Mbotela, nephew of the veteran broadcaster.
Speaking separately, Changamwe Legislator, Omar Mwinyi, condoled with the Mbotela family, describing him as a famous person who was adored by many in the country and was active up to his last days.
“We would appeal to the government to look after the family and assist in the burial,” stated Mwinyi.
By Sadik Hassan