His remains are currently at Umash Funeral Home.

There will be a major fundraiser on Tuesday, 11th February 2025.

Daily funeral meetings are being held at All Saints Cathedral from 5:30 PM.

Reacting to the news of Mbotela being buried in Langata, Journalist Fred Ombachi suggested the government should have a place where heroes are laid to rest.

"This country requires a Heroes Corner for the burial of our Mashujaa if we really value them." he shared his opinion 

He also took to his socials to eulogize Mbotela, saying

"Rest in perfect peace, big brother, mentor, LEGEND, and friend Mzee Leonard Mambo Mbotela. Because of you and other legends who have also transitioned, we happen to be. You, big brother, shaped the world of broadcasting. To Mama Alice & the entire Mbotela family, thank you for lending us Mzee for over 50 years, we know we had more of him than you did. May the Almighty God give you peace that surpasses all human understanding at this hour. Poleni sana. Your legacy lives on."

Mbotela, known for the show 'Je Huu Ni Ungwana' passed away on Friday, 7th February 2025, around 9:30 AM.

His death was confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Anne Mbotela. 

The news of his death came as a shock to the family, as they had been optimistic about his recovery.

In an emotional interview, Donald Mbotela, Leonard’s younger brother, revealed that the veteran journalist had been battling pneumonia and low blood pressure in the weeks leading up to his death.

"He had pneumonia and low blood pressure. The doctors also said that his age contributed to his death because he was 85 years old," Donald explained.

Donald had been taking care of his brother in Nairobi before returning to Mombasa earlier in the week when Leonard appeared to be improving.

Sadly, things took a turn for the worse.

We knew that Leonard had been unwell for about three weeks. I traveled to Nairobi to help take care of him and watch over him. He would improve at times and then deteriorate again. But when he seemed to be getting better on Monday this week, I decided to return to Mombasa to attend to my duties. On Thursday evening, we received news that he was feeling unwell again while still in the hospital. Then this morning, at around 9 am, we got a call from Nairobi informing us that our brother had passed away."

"We did not expect him to leave us. It was a shock because we thought he was recovering, only for his condition to worsen and take him from us."

Donald remembered his late brother Leornard as a disciplined man.

The legendary host leaves behind a widow, Alice Mwikali, and their three kids, Aida Mbotela, Jimmy Mbotela, and George Mbotela.

All financial contributions can be channeled to Paybill No. - 522533 Account - 7956881.