As the world marks Mental Health Awareness Month, Kenyans were shocked by the death of journalist Kimani Mbugua, a victim of mental health challenges.

On the night of October 14, 2025, news that Kimani Mbugua has passed away sent ripples of grief through Kenya’s media, creative and mental health communities. He was just 29.

Kimani, once a bright star in the media space, had a life of promise with courageous honesty but also public struggle and deep promise.

Between the years 2015 to 2017, Kimani became a familiar face and voice to every household with his youth-oriented storytelling style, bringing humor, relatability, and insight. At 19, he joined the Nation Media Group in a trainee role, working in radio and gradually moving into broadcast journalism.

He later joined Royal Media Services, making appearances on Citizen TV, Inooro FM and Hot 96 , making him one of Kenya’s promising journalists.

In the year 2020, there was a huge turn of events in the young star’s life when he began grappling with severe mental health challenges.

According to his father, the the downturn may have been triggered by an accident earlier in the year, in which his drink was spiked. Later on Kimani was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition that would alter the course of his life forever.

At first, few could believe that the confident, eloquent young journalist who had lit up TV screens could be battling with something so heavy. His life began to unravel in public view, he lost his job, his friends, and the vibrancy that once defined him gave way to confusion and despair.

Social media, which had once celebrated him, now watched as he posted erratic videos that left fans worried and heartbroken. By 2023, his condition had worsened, leading to multiple stints in rehabilitation and psychiatric care.

Former Nairobi governor, Mike Sonko, stepped in to cover his medical bills as he was admitted to the Mombasa Women Empowerment Mental Rescue Center.

Months later he came out of rehabilitation, his face regaining it’s glow and his voice was calm and grounded, carrying a sense of peace that seemed to have been lost before. He spoke openly on his struggles, giving gratitude to those who helped him.

Publicly, he seemed “well” and Kenyans celebrated his apparent comeback. This was not so as in early January 2025, his father together with Oga Obinna and his crew admitted Kimani at The Mathari Hospital for first aid, toxicology tests, and psychiatric evaluation to assess his condition and stabilize him medically.

Around March 2025, Kimani Mbugua’s videos of him wandering around Makongeni area looking unkept surfaced, giving a sign that he relapsed again.

Mike Sonko immediately stepped in to help again, where he arranged for his readmission to the Mombasa Women Empowerment Network (MWEN) Mental Health and Rehab Center for specialized treatment.

Though the cause of death of Kimani Mbugua has not yet been confirmed, his sponsor, former Nairobi Governor, Mike Sonko came online and shared some shocking news. In a recent post on his Instagram, the former governor gave a heartfelt message on the passing of his friend saying he was saddened to hear about the young star’s premature death.

But what caught the attention of many Kenyans however, was his statement hinting that the former journalist may have taken his own life. The mention of suicide added a somber weight to an already heartbreaking announcement. This sparked a widespread discussion online about the silent battles people face.