Former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua dies

Former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua is dead.

Kimani reportedly died on Tuesday, October 14, at night at the Mombasa Women Empowerment Mental Rescue Centre where he was undergoing treatment.

His death was confirmed by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko who attributed it to a possible suicide.

“I am saddened to hear about the premature demise of former Citizen TV and NTV journalist Kimani Mbugua at the Mombasa Women Empowerment Mental Rescue Centre. It is believed that he may have taken his own life. I will issue a comprehensive statement once the police report is out,” Sonko stated.

“In the meantime I extend my heartfelt condolences to Kimani’s family, friends and relatives. I pray that God provides them with strength and comfort during this challenging time,” he added.

At the time of his death, Kimani was battling mental illnesses that had left him in and out of rehabilitation and hospital care.

Who was Kimani Mbugua?

Kimani was one of the top talented media personalities in Kenya, with a rich education and career background.

He held a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Master of Science in Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict from the University of London.

His career started when he was only 19, when he joined Nation Media Group as a university student in training.

He worked with the radio department at Nation before climbing ranks to become an Entertainment news reporter and producer, co-hosting shows like the Trend with Larry Madowo.

He later joined Royal Media Services where he worked for Citizen TV, Inooro FM and Hot 96, covering news across various regions with distinct segments.

“I was 19. I remember walking into Nation and realising my life had changed. That is how I started in radio. I worked there for almost three years and then I went to Royal media – I got to work for Citizen, Inooro and Hot 96,” Kimani said in an interview with The Standard.

The 28-year-old was known for his youthful approach to news before his media career came to an end in 2020.

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According to Kimani’s father, his woes began in February 2020 during his birthday when he was allegedly drugged. He later started abusing drugs and the habit eventually rubbed off on him.

The media personality further opened up on battling depression during his younger days in university. He also said that the psychosis surfaced after he experimented with marijuana at the height of his success.

The situation rapidly deteriorated, leading to hospitalization. Kimani’s father described the experience of seeing his son in such a state as devastating.

“He was chaotic. Somebody I knew, was healthy. It broke my heart until today. The way he is, it hit me like lightning. That was the day I saw darkness at midday, I couldn’t believe it. When he saw me he even called me by my real names, he used to call me dad. When he came to hug me, he would fall down,” Kimani’s father recalled.

Kimani’s condition worsened and he was admitted to Chiromo Hospital for treatment. The medical bills quickly added up, leading Kimani to suggest selling his car to cover the costs.

In 2021 he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and since then his life fell apart until May 2024 when he was rescued and taken to a rehabilitation centre.

“I have lost so many things, I have lost so many friends in the journey. People got tired of me and I’m in a position where most people are not willing to help because they said that they are tired,” Kimani said.

His subsequent social media appeals for financial assistance and emotional support prompted calls for aid and rehabilitation.

Several Kenyans, including comedian Oga Obinna, CNN reporter Larry Madowo, and former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko stepped forward to offer their support.

He was initially admitted to Mathari Hospital in Nairobi before getting transferred to Mombasa Women Empowerment Network Mental Rescue Center after Mike Sonko who took it upon himself to cover his medical expenses fully.