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Kenyan gospel sensation Embarambamba has released a special tribute song in honour of legendary broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela, who passed away on February 7, 2025.
Known for his energetic, acrobatic performances, the Kisii musician took to YouTube to share his latest composition, paying homage to the iconic journalist who shaped Kenya’s media industry for over five decades.
In the song, Embarambamba sings, “Leonard Mambo Mbotela amelala, mtangazaji kutoka KBC”—meaning “Leonard Mambo Mbotela has rested, the broadcaster from KBC.”
The tribute highlights Mbotela’s contributions, particularly his widely revered radio and television show, Je Huu Ni Ungwana?
Mbotela’s program was a hard-hitting, thought-provoking segment that scrutinised social misconduct while advocating for integrity and good manners among Kenyans.
His distinctive voice and commanding presence made him one of the most respected figures in Kenyan journalism.
The legendary broadcaster, who was 85 at the time of his passing, had an illustrious career spanning over 50 years. ‘Je Huu Ni Ungwana?’ became synonymous with his name, thanks to a phrase he coined from an incident at Nairobi’s Panafric Hotel.
In a past interview with The Standard, Mbotela recalled how he was embarrassed when a friend impatiently banged a table to summon a waiter.
Shocked by the lack of decorum, he turned to his friend and asked, “Je, huu ni ungwana?” a question that later became the title of his iconic show.
Following Mbotela’s death, Kenyans from all walks of life, including President William Ruto, mourned the celebrated broadcaster.
"We are heartbroken by the death of veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela. He was a gifted and powerful broadcaster whose alluring voice dominated our airwaves with his first-class football commentaries and the signature programme Je Huu Ni Ungwana?" Ruto wrote on X.
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