LEONARD MAMBO MBOTELA; THE VETERAN RADIO HOST

 LEONARD MAMBO MBOTELA; THE VETERAN RADIO HOST

One of Kenya’s distinct voice, spanning decades on radio, with much accreditation is that of one Leonard Mambo Mbotela, who has been in our ears since the sixties, with a successful career that spans for more than five decades, entertaining us with great sports, music, while inspiring us to be better human beings in the same breath. Being antiquated and still being able to work nonstop, giving us the same dose of advise, with a sharp wit and an intended finesse. It is no wonder that this great Kenyan deserves to be commemorated as a great role model on this Kenyan-based segment of black history month.

Leonard is known nationwide for being a cut-throat radio host, with his signature husky voice, having earned his stripes and the right to counsel the populace on the need to be better human beings, while they interact with everyday people. Leonard may be elderly but his wit and strength have not dwindled one bit. He still spits wisdom on to the minds of people of Kenya, like he did in the sixties, and not about to call it quits. Even the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation is not about to part ways with Leonard, for he has served the media station for decades on end, that I almost believe they have trademarked Leonard as part of their brand. But can you really fault them? Leonard is their golden goose, that generates thousands of viewers and listeners across Kenya and beyond.

His mastery of Kiswahili makes it the more interesting to listen to, while he unfolds eccentric stories of men and women who he puts on blast, by cautioning them of the need to style up and ditch their barbaric ways. Even though Kenyans are known speakers of Kiswahili language, we struggle with its fluency, mixing English and our native tribes into it, to damage it the more. Name a Kenyan beside Leonard, who is flawless in the Kiswahili language, and I will predict their county of origin, with great accuracy. Most of us would argue and say that one Leonard is from the coast of Kenya, hence his mastery of the language, and you are absolutely right to say so. God knows that many of us struggle to speak Kiswahili, despite our learning it in school. Still, English always take the centre stage in our numerous conversations. Hence, the saying is true that Kiswahili was born and raised in Tanzania, went in search for greener pastures in Kenya, fell sick in Uganda, and died in the DRC Congo. But I swiftly digress. 

It is all about becoming a decent human being with Leonard. It is all he cares to talk about these days, that makes you conclude that Leonard is man who was raised right, values solid relationships, and who cares more about the moral ethics of proper etiquette, values, and decency, more so when it comes to relationships, and caring connections. Which means that he does right by his relations, if he bothers much to teach us on how to be a friend, a lover, a parent, a sibling, an employer or employee. There is not much that has not been discussed by Leonard on his hit show, “Je, huu ni ungwana?” that loosely translates to “I ask, is this civilized or cultured?” Leonard can do the show in his sleep, having done it numerous times and recorded many topics that become seasoned with every decade.

The most interesting part of his folk tales is that they are not redundant, for he comes with a freshly drama-filled narrative, every time he hosts the show. As a kid growing up in the eighties, the popular show was scheduled for every Sunday afternoon, immediately after church service, when many are rushing back home, to have their late lunch. While they sit to eat, listening to the only radio station at the time, then boom comes Leonard on radio, picking something clever as his discourse for the day, to challenge Kenyans to always act right and behave in ways that are decent.

Aside from his famous radio show, Leonard is highly sort after by different brands for infomercials, thanks his husky voice, which for years has had him sitting pretty on his gold coins. Nevertheless, he has archived a lot of information that generations to come will be privy to and appreciate his great service to this nation. Leonard is a noble man, known to be humble and living a quiet life, under the radar of celebrity lifestyle. Besides, he is not keen on fame and also not given to much public attention. Yet, one this for sure is that Leonard Mambo Mbotela will live on in our hearts and minds for future generations to come.

Here is to you Leonard Mambo Mbotela; you came into our lives yesterday, you touched our hearts and minds today, and made our future a better tomorrow. For this reason, we will be forever grateful.