National Heroes Council to exhibit legendary broadcaster’s work in honour of his legacy
By Yobesh Onwong’a (MyGov)
The Government will hold an exhibition in honour of departed legendary broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela, who served as a member at the National Heroes Council, an avid advocate for humanity amidst the ills that have bedevilled society.
The exhibition will be carried out jointly after consultation with the State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications in partnership with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and the National Museums of Kenya amongst other stakeholders.
Similarly, in a press statement from the Council seen by MyGov, plans are underway in collaboration with relevant state agencies and stakeholders to have a road in Nairobi named after the late Mbotela, a towering luminary whose legendary voice shaped the fabric of Kenyan journalism.
The Council averred that the icon’s distinguished career in the media industry, straddling over five decades, was marked by his brilliant mastery of the Swahili language, his charismatic storytelling skills with a unique voice that became a household signature in Kenya and beyond its borders.
Jimmy Angwenyi, the Council Chairman, said that Mbotela’s presence at the Council was of excellence, grace, humility and wisdom adding that his contributions to broadcasting were not just a profession but a legacy that inspired budding journalists and set the gold standard for excellence in journalism.
“Mbotela’s contributions went far beyond the work of the Council as he played a significant role in nation-building by promoting unity, civic responsibility, and national pride,” said Angwenyi.
He noted that in every conversation, his words were thoughtful, and his actions spoke of integrity and selflessness adding that he upheld the values of patriotism, integrity and selflessness which inspired those around him to emulate.
“During Council meetings, Mbotela actively contributed to discussions and was a natural consensus builder, he never sought to dominate deliberations,” said Angwenyi.
The Council said that the late Mbotela ensured that every voice was heard, every perspective was considered thus contributing to thoughtful decision making; this was instrumental in shaping the Council’s vision and strategies for implementation by the Council secretariat.
“Mbotela had a deep understanding of the weight of the Council’s mandate of identification, selection and honouring of national heroes and he wanted to greatly contribute to its attainment,” he said.
Angwenyi pointed out that the legendary broadcaster was deeply involved in providing oversight to the Secretariat during the development of the Council’s strategic plan, budget preparations, efficient allocation of scarce resources as well as contributing to the development of the Council's corporate identity.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula mourned the icon saying that, “For decades, his deep, commanding tone filled our airwaves, shaping conversations, instilling values, and chronicling Kenya’s journey through history.”
Wetangula noted with nostalgia that growing up, Mbotela’s show, Je, Hu Ni Ungwana? was more than just a radio program; it was a moment of reflection, a lesson in morality, and a guiding force for a society that needed constant reminders of dignity and decency.
“His mastery of Swahili, his eloquence, and his ability to capture the essence of our culture made him a giant in the industry,” he said.
Wetangula said that he remembers hearing stories of how he started his journey in the 1960s at the Voice of Kenya (now KBC). “His voice became the soundtrack of our national story, from moments of celebration to times of uncertainty.”
“Mbotela was not just a broadcaster; he was a historian, a mentor, and a custodian of Kenya’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage. His influence extended beyond the studio, he shaped the media landscape and set standards for those who came after him,” said the National Assembly Speaker.