Former Citizen TV Journalist Kimani Mbugua is dead
Former Citizen TV Journalist Kimani Mbugua is dead
Former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua has died.
According to reports, the 29-year-old media personality died on Wednesday morning in Mombasa, where he had been receiving treatment for mental health challenges.
Kimani’s passing comes after years of battling mental health issues that saw him frequently admitted to hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
The exact cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed.
The young journalist, who was once a rising star in Kenya’s media industry, had openly shared his struggles with bipolar disorder, homelessness, and his journey toward recovery, sparking important public conversations about mental health awareness.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who had been actively supporting Kimani during his difficult period, expressed his sadness at the news of his death.
“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 said.
“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. May God rest his soul in eternal peace.”
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Sonko had been instrumental in helping Kimani access treatment and rehabilitation services during his most difficult moments.
Kimani’s media career began remarkably early when he joined Nation Media Group as a trainee university student at just 19 years old. He started his journey in the radio department before working his way up to become an entertainment news reporter and producer.
During his time at Nation Media Group, Kimani co-hosted popular shows including The Trend alongside renowned journalist Larry Madowo, showcasing his intelligence, charisma, and exceptional storytelling abilities.
He later moved to Royal Media Services, where he worked across multiple platforms including Citizen TV, Inooro FM, and Hot 96.
Kimani’s life took a challenging turn in 2020 when he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The diagnosis marked the beginning of a difficult journey that would see him lose much of what he had built.
In 2024, Kimani was admitted to the Mombasa Women Empowerment Network Rescue Centre following a series of concerning posts on social media that indicated he may have been experiencing a relapse.
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