Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has urged young Kenyans to take mental health issues seriously and stop online bullying, following the burial of former TV journalist Kimani Mbugua.
Sonko, who helped fly Kimani’s body from Mombasa to Montezuma Funeral Home along Thika Road, also facilitated the funeral convoy to his final resting place on Tuesday.
Speaking after the emotional ceremony, Sonko expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the young journalist and others facing similar struggles.
“Kimani Mbugua is no longer with us. It’s painful to lose such a young soul. Unfortunately, this is not the only case. A friend of mine from Parklands also took his own life and is being buried today a day after Kimani. Depression is real, and people are going through a lot from joblessness to family issues, bipolar conditions, poor working environments, and tough economic times,” Sonko said.
Sonko called on the youth to use social media responsibly and avoid mocking or bullying people who open up about their challenges.
“Let’s not take for granted what we have. Don’t bully people online or call them names to the point they feel intimidated or depressed, some come online to express their struggles depression, bipolar, or financial problems. Instead of mocking them, let’s support them. What someone else is going through today, you might go through tomorrow.” He continued
He emphasized that Kimani’s case gained attention because of his public profile, but many others suffer in silence.
“Kimani’s story is in the limelight because he was a journalist, but how many more are suffering quietly? When people share their pain, we push them further into depression with our words. It’s wrong and must stop,” he said.
Sonko added that through his Sonko Rescue Team, he will continue supporting those in distress.
“For me and my team, we’ll keep helping whenever and wherever we can from assisting the needy to standing with the bereaved. If you can’t help someone, at least don’t be the reason they give up on life,” he said.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 727,000 people died by suicide worldwide in 2021.
