Former journalist Kimani Mbugua: Fame, mental health struggles and a tragic end
Although the exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed, sources indicate that Kimani Mbugua passed away on the night of Tuesday, October 14.
Former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua has died at the age of 29, after a long battle with mental health challenges.
Mbugua had been living with bipolar disorder for several years — a condition marked by intense mood swings between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
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The disorder took a heavy toll on his once-promising media career. His open and public journey through hospitals and rehabilitation centres drew widespread attention, as he shared his experiences candidly, helping to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health within Kenya’s media industry.
Following a series of distressing public episodes on social media, Kimani was admitted to the Mombasa Women Empowerment Network Rescue Centre.
His father later confirmed his diagnosis of bipolar disorder. He was subsequently taken to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital in Nairobi, where former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko offered to pay his medical bills. Kimani was later moved to a rehabilitation centre in Mombasa, where he stayed for six months.
Despite his struggles, Kimani was celebrated as one of Kenya’s most gifted young journalists — known for his intelligence, charisma, and storytelling talent.
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 journalism career began at just 19, when he joined the Nation Media Group as a trainee while still in university.
Starting out in radio, he quickly rose through the ranks to become an entertainment news reporter and producer. Kimani later co-hosted The Trend and went on to join Royal Media Services, where he worked across Citizen TV, Inooro FM, and Hot 96, covering major stories and national events.
Although the exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed, sources indicate that Kimani Mbugua passed away on the night of Tuesday, October 14.
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