A video featuring former Nation Media Group journalist Nasibo Kabale living on the streets has emerged, leaving many Kenyans heartbroken.
Kabale, known for her impactful reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic, has opened up about her battle with depression and the circumstances that led to her current plight.
In a TikTok video shared by user @streetsvibing, Kabale can be seen wielding a knife, which she explains is a means of protection while she sleeps on the streets.
She recounts receiving a Presidential Award in 2020 but found herself struggling to cope with the rising death toll from COVID-19.
This traumatic experience led to her diagnosis of depression and, ultimately, her decision to leave a stable job at Nation Media Group.
“I was taken to Chiromo Hospital for treatment and prescribed anti-depressants. I realized that my health was deteriorating, and I had to quit my job,” Kabale revealed.
Currently separated from her young daughter, who lives with her father, the former journalist expressed deep sorrow about missing out on her child’s life.
Struggling to make ends meet, Kabale survives by collecting trash and scrap materials from people’s homes. Despite her challenges, she remains hopeful about her future.
“I want to work and provide for my baby. I am a good writer, and I can do that,” she declared.
Social media users have shown overwhelming support, with many expressing their sorrow and hope for her recovery. Comments range from prayers for her breakthrough to reflections on the loneliness that often accompanies such hardships.
These stories highlight the critical need to address mental health issues within the journalism profession, where the pressures of reporting—especially on traumatic events—can take a significant toll.
Colleagues and industry leaders are urged to prioritize mental well-being initiatives, ensuring that journalists have access to necessary resources and support systems. In a related case, fellow former journalist Kimani Mbugua shared his own struggles with mental health, revealing he has been homeless and seeking assistance to clear a substantial debt.
