Former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua has died. The Kenya Times has learned that he died last night, Tuesday, October 14.
His family confirmed his demise, noting that Kimani took his own life and left behind a suicide note.
At the same time, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko also confirmed his death, stating that Kimani took his own life at the Mombasa Rescue Center.
“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,” he said.
“I will issue a comprehensive statement once the police report is out. 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.”
Kimani’s death comes after years of battling mental health challenges that had left him in and out of rehabilitation and hospital care.
In recent years, Kimani had been in the spotlight for his public struggles with bipolar disorder, which drastically affected his once-promising media career.
In 2023, the 29-year-old shared a heartbreaking video on Instagram, where he spoke candidly about his situation, admitting he was in trouble and needed help.
“Hi guys, Kimani Mbugua here, former star of TV. It feels so bad to say that right now because I am not there anymore. But niko kwa shida, and I need your help,” he said.
Former Citizen TV Journalist Kimani Mbugua is Dead
Kimani rose to fame at just 19 years old, quickly becoming one of Citizen TV’s rising stars. However, in 2020, his life took a difficult turn after he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
“I fell ill in 2020. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and since then, my life has fallen apart. I have lost so many things; I have lost so many friends on the journey. People got tired of me,” he once revealed.
He added that after being discharged from the hospital, he was homeless and struggling to rebuild his life.
“I got out of the hospital literally last week, and I feel my mind has come back to normal. I don’t want to go back to the place I used to be. So… I’m homeless. I have my bag, and I’m out.”
In 2024, Kimani was admitted to the Mombasa Women Empowerment Network Rescue Centre after a series of disturbing outbursts on social media that suggested a relapse in his condition.
Also Read: Kimani Mbugua Lands Job Immediately After Rehab
His father later confirmed that Kimani was suffering from bipolar disorder. Around the same time, media personality Oga Obinna offered to help by featuring Kimani’s father in an interview that drew national attention to his plight.
Following this, Kimani was admitted to the Mathari Mental Hospital in Nairobi, where former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko pledged to cover his medical bills.
He was later transferred to Mombasa, where he continued rehabilitation for six months.
In a past interview with NTV, Kimani’s younger sister, Wanjiku Mbugua, recounted how her brother had changed from a devout Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) to a man struggling with drug addiction and mental illness.
“Kimani has always been very close to us because he is our only brother. We used to do things together, sometimes even wear matching clothes. He would lead morning prayers and devotions,” Wanjiku said.
Also Read: Sonko Fires Back at Those Accusing Him of Neglecting Kimani Mbugua
Mbugua Education and Career
Kimani Mbugua was among Kenya’s most talented media personalities, known for his intelligence, charisma, and storytelling skills.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Master of Science in Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict from the University of London.
Kimani’s media journey began at just 19 years old, when he joined the Nation Media Group as a trainee university student. He started in the radio department before rising through the ranks to become an entertainment news reporter and producer. During this period, he also co-hosted popular shows such as The Trend alongside Larry Madowo.
He later joined the Royal Media Services, where he worked for Citizen TV, Inooro FM, and Hot 96, covering diverse stories from across the country and contributing to various news segments.
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