If the walls of Lang’ata Cemetery could talk, they would echo the names of Kenya’s greats—leaders, entertainers, and ordinary citizens whose stories shaped the nation.
Soon, another legend will find his final resting place among them: veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela.
However, the decision to bury him at Lang’ata has sparked mixed reactions, with many questioning whether such an iconic figure should be laid to rest in a public cemetery.
Debate Over Mbotela’s Burial Site
Mbotela’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday, February 15, but the choice of Lang’ata Cemetery has drawn both support and criticism. Some argue that a man of his stature—who left an indelible mark on Kenya’s journalism and broadcasting—deserves a more prestigious burial site.
Among those expressing disappointment is veteran media personality Fred Obachi Machoka, who believes Mbotela should have been honored with a burial befitting his legendary status. On the other hand, journalist Yassin Juma has provided clarity on the matter, revealing that Mbotela’s burial at Lang’ata is not a matter of choice but necessity.
Why Lang’ata Cemetery?
Unlike many prominent Kenyans, Mbotela does not have ancestral roots in the country. His lineage traces back to the Yao ethnic group in Malawi, making it difficult to transport his body to what would have been his ancestral home.
Juma explained:
“If you want him to be buried at his ancestral home, that would mean flying his body to the village of Mpanda on the shores of Lake Malawi.”
Given the logistical and financial constraints, Lang’ata emerged as the most practical option for the family.
A Legacy Rooted in History
Mbotela’s ancestry is a remarkable story of resilience. His great-grandfather, Mzee Mbotela, was a freed slave, rescued from an Arab slave dhow in the 1860s.
After gaining freedom, he married a fellow Malawian, Ida Halima, from the Kamtunda clan in Mpanda. Their son, Juma Mbotela, later married Grace David, a freed slave from Seychelles who had once been owned by the Sultan of Zanzibar. From this lineage came James Mbotela, Leonard’s father.
This unique background means that Mbotela did not have traditional family land in Kenya, further solidifying Lang’ata as the best choice for his burial.
Honoring Mbotela’s Contributions
Though the debate continues, what remains unquestionable is Mbotela’s impact on Kenyan media and culture.
He was the voice behind some of the country’s most memorable broadcasts, shaping radio journalism for generations. Whether at Lang’ata Cemetery or elsewhere, his legacy will live on—etched in the memories of millions who grew up listening to his voice.
As he is laid to rest among other notable Kenyans, Mbotela joins the ranks of history-makers who, even in death, continue to shape Kenya’s narrative.