Kenya is mourning the death of Kimani Mbugua, a former journalist and media personality, who reportedly passed away on the night of Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the age of 29. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
Mbugua, who had been open about his struggles with bipolar disorder and substance abuse, had spent time in and out of rehabilitation centres over the past few years. His passing has reignited conversations around mental health awareness and support within Kenya’s media and entertainment industry.
Early Career and Rise in Media
Kimani began his media career at just 19 years old, joining the Nation Media Group as a presenter at Nation FM and later appearing on NTV. His charisma and confidence on air quickly made him a recognisable face among young audiences.
He later transitioned to Citizen TV, where he continued to build his reputation as a vibrant and promising television presenter before stepping away from the limelight due to health struggles.
Battle with Mental Health and Addiction
In recent years, Mbugua had publicly shared his journey battling bipolar disorder and addiction, occasionally posting emotional videos online about his condition.
On March 31, 2024, former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko intervened after reports emerged that Mbugua had relapsed and was seen wandering the streets of Thika Town. Sonko revealed that he had dispatched a team to locate and assist him.
“Following reports that Kimani Mbugua had relapsed and returned to the streets, I sent a team to find him. He was found in Makongeni Estate, Thika, Kiambu County,” Sonko wrote at the time.
This marked Mbugua’s second admission to a rehabilitation centre in an ongoing effort to help him recover.
Family and Friends Step In
On May 16, 2024, media personality Oga Obinna shared that he, along with Mbugua’s father and friends, had accompanied him to Mathare Hospital for another rehabilitation attempt.
“We passed by Mathare and are now waiting for instructions from his parents before proceeding. We’ll give a final update later in the evening,” Obinna wrote on social media.
The move came shortly after Mbugua’s father appeared in an interview with Obinna, where he disclosed that his son was suffering from bipolar disorder and apologised to anyone hurt by Mbugua’s erratic behaviour in his online videos.
A Reminder of the Silent Struggle
Kimani Mbugua’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the challenges faced by many young people battling mental illness and addiction particularly in the high-pressure world of media and entertainment.
His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes online, with fans, colleagues, and mental health advocates calling for greater compassion, understanding, and systemic support for those struggling silently.
