Nairobi City County Assembly is poised to approve the renaming of Juja Road to honor the late, legendary media personality and radio guru, Leonard Mambo Mbotela. This move aims to cement his enduring legacy and acknowledge his profound contributions to Kenyan media and national unity.
The initiative follows a notice of motion tabled by Kiamaiko MCA Joseph Ndung’u, who emphasized that renaming the prominent thoroughfare would serve as a lasting tribute to the revered broadcaster who passed away in February this year at the age of 85.
“The renaming of Juja Road will permanently honor the late veteran broadcaster, cementing his legacy as a distinguished Kenyan journalist, broadcaster, and patriot who made indelible contributions to the nation through his dedicated service and unwavering commitment to public communication,” Ndung’u stated in his motion.
Ndung’u highlighted that this symbolic gesture would not only express gratitude but also uphold professionalism and consistency in using journalism to serve public interest, educate, and entertain. He underscored Mbotela’s pivotal role in shaping Kenyan culture and fostering national unity through his iconic radio and television programs, particularly “Je, Huu ni Ungwana?” (Is this decent?).
Mbotela’s trailblazing career spanned decades, making him a household name and face across Kenya. His long-running program, “Je, Huu ni Ungwana?”, became synonymous with his name, focusing on etiquette, civic duty, and moral behavior, leaving an indelible cultural imprint on the nation.
Beyond his popular shows, Mbotela is also remembered for his courageous actions during the 1982 attempted coup, when he was coerced by rebel soldiers to announce a change of government on the then Voice of Kenya (VoK), now Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
Juja Road, a vital traffic artery in Nairobi, connects several densely populated neighborhoods. If the motion is passed, the county executive, under Governor Johnson Sakaja, will be tasked with initiating the formal procedures for the renaming. This act would signify a momentous step in Kenya’s recognition of media professionals as integral to the nation’s heritage.
