On the day Leonard Mambo Mbotela passed away, our Content Division team promptly came together to create mini-biographies and features in his memory. In my search for more information about this veteran broadcaster, I reached out to Martin King’asia, the Controller of the Content Division at the KBC Radio Department.
King’asia has maintained a notebook filled with facts about Mambo since 2009, as he aimed to gather information about Idhaa ya Taifa (now Radio Taifa). King’asia had been appointed the Head of Idhaa ya Taifa while Mambo was still active as a presenter (contracted). While reviewing King’asia’s handwritten notes, one sentence particularly resonated with me: Mambo expressed his desire to be remembered as a veteran broadcaster. Indeed, that is how he will be remembered!
I firmly believe that Mambo deserves to be honoured so that his legacy endures among Kenyans for generations to come. He mentored numerous journalists and transformed the lives of millions through the power of radio. His programme, “Je Huu ni Uungwana,” often prompted listeners to reconsider their actions whenever they contemplated wrongdoing.
Many tributes have been written about this iconic radio broadcaster in Kenya. I was fortunate to have worked under Leonard Mambo Mbotela’s mentorship at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). I joined KBC in 2008, and as a young, inexperienced producer, I was in awe of the legendary voices I had listened to on the radio since childhood. It became a ritual for many households, including mine, to tune in to “Je Huu ni Uungwana” every Sunday. This programme created a special bond between my grandfather, the late Samuel Nyanchoka Onditi, and me, as we cherished the experience of listening to it on his wooden National radio in Samba Village, which was then part of the Kisii District. These moments inspired me to pursue a career in radio.
At KBC, Leonard Mambo was essentially the chief reviewer of my productions on KBC English Service and Idhaa ya Taifa, later known as Radio Taifa. Although he was not my supervisor, he loved listening to and reviewing my programmes. I was privileged to produce many live and recorded shows, including the “Saturday Morning Interview,” which aired every Saturday at 7:30 AM. Mambo would always call me afterwards to congratulate me on a job well done. He genuinely enjoyed the programme, which featured interviews with prominent individuals discussing the week’s events.
In addition to his congratulations, Mambo frequently suggested areas for improvement and potential guests for future episodes. Occasionally, he even reached out to potential guests on my behalf. In 2013, he connected me with industrialist Manu Chandaria, leading to the most outstanding radio interview I have ever conducted. As a young man, I was captivated by the opportunity to interview a billionaire who had travelled the world since childhood. The wisdom I gained from Manu Chandaria was invaluable, and many listeners enjoyed the interview. I am eternally grateful to Mambo for facilitating such a remarkable guest for the show. I will always cherish the photo we took together with these two legends in their respective fields.
Mambo also reviewed my other programmes on Radio Taifa, including “Zinga la Asubuhi,” which I produced for three and a half years. The presenters for this show included Bonnie Musambi (Kijana Mtall), who now works at State House, and Cynthia Anyango (Cynthy Cynthy), our current mid-morning presenter at Radio Taifa. Mambo consistently offered suggestions for improving the show. As the producer, I was the team leader responsible for the entire production. Whenever Mambo’s name appeared on my incoming calls, I knew to expect valuable feedback. He encouraged us to strive for continuous improvement while adhering to high standards and did not tolerate mediocrity.
Leonard Mambo Mbotela was passionate about sharing his wisdom with young people, ensuring his ideas would be passed on to future generations. As we bid farewell to this veteran broadcaster, it would be meaningful for both the National and County governments to honour Leonard Mambo Mbotela’s legacy. Naming a road after him would be a fitting tribute to someone who used legacy media to leave an enduring impact on Kenya. How about establishing a theatre named after Leonard Mambo Mbotela? These are worthy suggestions.
Geoffrey Ondong’a Onditi is Chief Producer, Content Division, KBC Radio Department.
