A motion has been tabled at the Nairobi County Assembly seeking to rename Juja Road to Mambo Mbotela Road in honor of the late veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela, who passed away in February at the age of 85.
The proposal was presented by Kiamaiko Member of County Assembly (MCA) Joseph Ndung’u, who described Mbotela as a “national icon” and a “distinguished Kenyan journalist, broadcaster, and patriot” whose legacy deserves a permanent place in the country’s capital.
“Leonard Mambo Mbotela made indelible contributions to the nation through his dedicated service and unwavering commitment to public communication,” Ndung’u said while introducing the motion. “Renaming Juja Road in his honor will ensure future generations remember and celebrate his role in shaping Kenya’s media landscape.”
Mbotela, best known for his long-running radio program “Je, Huu Ni Uungwana?” (Is This Civility?), was a revered figure in Kenyan media for over five decades. His voice became a familiar and trusted presence across the country, particularly during pivotal moments in Kenya’s history.
He was also among the few broadcasters who were on air during the 1982 attempted coup, famously urging calm and continuity under difficult circumstances — a moment that cemented his status as a national figure.
The proposed name change would affect one of Nairobi’s key arterial roads that connects the central business district with Eastlands, passing through neighborhoods such as Pangani and Eastleigh.
The motion has drawn early support from some fellow MCAs and members of the public, who say honoring Mbotela in this way would reflect the country’s appreciation for cultural and journalistic excellence.
If passed by the Nairobi County Assembly and approved by relevant agencies, this would mark one of the first major roads in the city to be named after a media personality.
Leonard Mambo Mbotela was laid to rest in February in his home county of Mombasa, following a state-assisted funeral attended by national leaders, media veterans, and hundreds of admirers.
His legacy, Ndung’u stressed, should not fade: “By renaming this road, we ensure that Mambo Mbotela’s voice continues to echo through the streets of Nairobi — a permanent reminder of civility, service, and the power of communication.”
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