Former TV Journalist Kimani Mbugua is reportedly dead. According to a source close to him, Mbugua is said to have died on the night of Tuesday, 14 October.
The news of his demise follows a series of rehabilitation attempts that saw him admitted to various rehabilitation centers due to his persistent mental health issues.
Mbugua’s Battle with Mental Health
The documents confirm Mbugua’s long battle with bipolar disorder. His mental health crisis became visible in May 2024 after a series of unusual social media outbursts.
Mbugua’s father previously alleged that his son’s woes began back in 2020 after his drink was spiked at a party. The father also noted that Mbugua associated with friends who used drugs.
Initial Help from Obinna and Sonko
Mbugua’s public request for assistance led to interventions by several high-profile individuals. Comedian Oga Obinna offered help in May 2024, initially leading to Mbugua’s admission to Mathari Hospital in Nairobi.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko then pledged to fully cover Mbugua’s medical bills and oversee his recovery journey. Sonko subsequently had Mbugua transferred to the Mombasa Women Empowerment Network Mental Rescue Center.
By October 2024, Sonko issued a positive update, stating that Mbugua was “healed and fully recovered”. Mbugua confirmed his transformation, expressing gratitude to Sonko.
“As you can see, I have gained weight here in Mombasa. I’ve enjoyed staying here,” Mbugua stated after four months of treatment.
Relapse and Shelved Job Offer
In December 2024, during an interview with Obinna TV, Oga Obinna offered Mbugua a job starting in mid-January 2025. Obinna explained that the purpose of the offer was to give Mbugua “a sense of purpose” and prevent a relapse into substance abuse.
However, the recovery proved difficult to sustain. In January 2025, Mbugua was taken back to rehab after a lack of significant improvement. A distressing video showed him appearing disoriented as he was escorted back to Mathare National Teaching and Referral Hospital.
“I just wanna go back to my house in Thika. And be there forever and ever and never get out of that house,” Mbugua pleaded at the time.
Oga Obinna’s bodyguard confirmed that the promised job had to be shelved due to Mbugua’s health issues.
Sonko Steps in Again
The cycle of intervention continued into March 2025. Following reports that Mbugua had relapsed and returned to the streets, Mike Sonko dispatched a team to find him. He was located in Makongeni estate in Thika, Kiambu county.
Sonko immediately oversaw Mbugua’s return to the Mombasa rehabilitation facility.
“Following reports that Kimani Mbugua has gone relapsed and gone back to the streets, today, I dispatched a team to locate him,” Sonko updated the public.
Until his reported demise, Mbugua was still struggling with a mental health crisis. His struggles highlight that mental illness is not isolated in Kenya.
Studies indicate that one out of four people in Kenya suffers from a mental health condition. Furthermore, between 80 and 100 per cent of journalists have been exposed to traumatic on-the-job events.
BY moses sagwe
