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| Former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua |
Former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua has died.
Reports indicate that he passed away on Tuesday, October 14 night, though the cause of death had not been confirmed by the time of publication.
Mbugua’s death follows a long and public battle with mental health challenges, including bipolar disorder, which had kept him in and out of hospitals and rehabilitation centers in recent years.
The 29-year-old journalist first captured public attention as a teenage broadcaster, joining the Nation Media Group at age 19 while still in university.
He went on to work at Royal Media Services, where he became a familiar face on Citizen TV, as well as a contributor to Inooro FM and Hot 96.
In 2020, Mbugua revealed that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a turning point that marked the beginning of years of personal struggle. In a past interview, he spoke openly about losing work opportunities, friends, and stability as a result of the condition.
In 2023, he posted a video on Instagram appealing for help, saying he was facing serious difficulties. “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 in the emotional message.
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| Kimani Mbugua |
In 2024, Mbugua was admitted to the Mombasa Women Empowerment Network Rescue Centre after a series of social media incidents suggested a relapse.
His father later confirmed that he was struggling with bipolar disorder.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko offered to pay for his treatment at Mathari Mental Hospital, after which Mbugua was moved to a rehabilitation program in Mombasa.
Mbugua’s sister, Wanjiku Mbugua, had previously described how her brother’s condition had changed him, recalling that he was once a devoted member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church who led family prayers before his health deteriorated.
Kimani Mbugua held a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a Master’s degree in Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict from the University of London.
He was widely regarded as a talented storyteller and one of the most promising young journalists of his generation.
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