The burial of veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela at Lang’ata Public Cemetery on Saturday has sparked intense debate across Kenya.

From politicians to artists and media personalities, many expressed the view that interring Mbotela’s remains in a public cemetery belittled a man they considered an icon.

Mbotela, a revered radio veteran, passed away on February 7, 2025, at the age of 85. His final resting place has ignited conversations about how Kenya commemorates its national heroes and whether a dedicated site should be established for figures of such prominence.