The family of former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua has confirmed that the 29-year-old died by suicide while receiving treatment at a rehabilitation centre in Mombasa.
The family said they had reviewed CCTV footage and investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which ruled out foul play.
Speaking to reporters, Mbugua’s father, Dedan Kimathi, said the family has accepted the painful reality of his son’s death and is now appealing to Kenyans to help raise KSh 217,600 to give him a dignified burial.
Kimathi shared that his son appeared weary of his struggles in his final moments. “He said, ‘I know I have taken myself; I have been a burden to myself, and I don’t want to be a burden any further,’” he recounted.
“He mentioned that he had chosen to rest in the hands of God.”
Mbugua’s death, which occurred on the night of October 14, marks a heartbreaking end to a long battle with mental health challenges and addiction.
His openness about living with bipolar disorder had previously sparked a national conversation on mental health, drawing public support from figures such as Mike Sonko and Oga Obinna, who assisted him during recovery.
Before joining Citizen TV, Mbugua worked with Nation Media Group, where his sharp storytelling and charm made him one of the most promising young journalists in Kenya.
However, his struggles with substance abuse and recurring relapses cut short his career and personal ambitions.
Kimathi expressed gratitude to those who stood by his son, calling his death “a loss of great potential.”
He urged young people to seek spiritual and emotional guidance during moments of despair, saying, “When the burden feels too heavy, speak out—do not walk alone.”
