Juja Road in Nairobi could soon be renamed Leonard Mambo Mbotela Road, should a motion currently before the county assembly be adopted and implemented by Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration at City Hall.
The motion by Kiamaiko MCA Joseph Ndung’u proposes that the renaming would permanently honour 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.”
Mbotela, who passed away in February at the age of 85, remains a towering figure in Kenya’s media landscape.
With a career that spanned decades, he became a household name through his work in both radio and television, offering news, analysis, and programmes that informed, educated, and united Kenyans across generations.
Most notably, Mbotela is remembered for his unshakable composure during one of Kenya’s most turbulent moments—the 1982 attempted coup.
He was forced to go on air by mutinous soldiers to read an announcement declaring a change in government. Despite the grave danger, his professionalism never wavered.
As the motion notes, “Acknowledging that his courage and selfless efforts during the 1982 attempted coup, where he risked his life to broadcast messages of peace and stability, demonstrated his unwavering dedication to the nation's well-being, earning respect and admiration.”
The proposal emphasises that renaming a major road after him would not only be symbolic but also a lasting gesture of national gratitude. “Plastering his name on the major road,” the motion says, “would be upholding professionalism and consistency in using journalism to serve public interest, educate and entertain.”
One of the strongest pillars of Mbotela’s career was his iconic programme Je, Huu ni Ungwana? (Is this decent?), a long-running radio and TV show that highlighted social etiquette and moral conduct.
The motion celebrates this and other contributions: “His iconic radio and television programmes, particularly Je, Huu ni Ungwana?, and his coverage of national events played a pivotal role in shaping Kenyan culture, promoting civic responsibility, and fostering national unity.”
Juja Road is one of Nairobi’s major arteries, running through densely populated and historically significant neighbourhoods. The motion argues that such a road offers a prominent platform for publicly honouring Mbotela. “… Juja Road, being a major artery in Nairobi, offers a significant opportunity to publicly recognise and honour Leonard Mambo Mbotela’s contributions to the nation; this assembly therefore urges the county executive to initiate the process of renaming Juja Road to Leonard Mambo Mbotela Road, in honour of the late Leonard Mambo Mbotela, EGH, in recognition of his exceptional service to the Republic of Kenya.”
If passed, the motion could mark a significant step in how Kenya honours media figures and reaffirms the role of journalism in shaping national identity.
