The body of former television journalist Kimani Mbugua will be transported to Nairobi on Tuesday ahead of his burial scheduled for October 28 in Maragua, Murang’a County, his family has confirmed.
The 29-year-old, who worked for both NTV and Citizen TV, died by suicide on the night of October 14 while undergoing treatment at a rehabilitation facility in Mombasa.
His death has sent shockwaves through the media industry and renewed conversations about mental health challenges facing young professionals.
In an emotional revelation, Kimani’s father, Dedan Kimathi, shared the final words his son told him before his death, words that paint a heartbreaking picture of a young man overwhelmed by his struggles.
“I know I have taken myself; I have been a burden to myself, and I don’t want to be a burden any further. I have chosen to rest in the hands of God,” Kimani told his father.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Kimathi described his son as a brilliant mind whose potential was cut short by mental health challenges. “It is true that our son, our firstborn, our giant, has rested. We are heartbroken as a family. He was our only son and such a brilliant mind,” he said.
The younger Kimathi had been battling bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs and devastating lows.
Despite appearing to stabilize at various points during his treatment, he experienced multiple relapses that his father attributes to negative peer influence.
“He had stabilized, but after he received his congratulations and support, his peers still made him go back to smoking and all that, and he relapsed,” Mr Kimathi explained, his voice heavy with grief and frustration.
According to the family, investigations into Kimani’s death have been completed with the assistance of CCTV footage from the rehabilitation centre and a note he left behind.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has ruled out foul play, confirming the death was self-inflicted.
“He had written a note, not committing that he would take his life, but it contained a lot of goodbyes,” the father revealed. “When someone is in that state, they just follow what their mind tells them to do.”
What makes the tragedy more poignant is that Kimani showed no obvious signs of distress in his final days. Mr Kimathi says his son remained cheerful during their phone conversations from the rehabilitation centre.
“I was his father, but we were great friends. We would speak and always encourage one another, and I would plead with him to never give up, stabilize, and come back home,” he said.
The father recalls how former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko had reached out to help, even offering Kimani an opportunity to work with him upon his recovery. “I really don’t know how he arrived at the decision that he made. It has left us dumbfounded,” Mr Kimathi said.
However, looking back, he now recognizes signs of exhaustion in his son’s words. “I know his mind was weak. He would tell me sometimes, ‘daddy, I am tired of this.’ He expected to grow in his craft and passion. Maybe it’s because he was too far away, and we couldn’t see each other every day in the morning.”
Kimani’s career in journalism had shown tremendous promise. He made a name for himself with lifestyle and feature reporting, becoming a recognizable face on Kenyan television.
His star was on the rise until around 2019 when his mental health challenges began to significantly impact his career trajectory.
Despite the crushing grief, the Kimathi family has chosen to find peace in their loss. “We have allowed our hearts to be at peace, but one good thing I know is that Kimani left everything clean and perfect in his life. He had no issue with anyone that I know of, and he leaves only a trail of good behind him,” the father said.
The family is now appealing for financial assistance to give their son an honorable sendoff. They estimate burial costs at Sh217,600 and are requesting support from friends, colleagues, and well-wishers.
“We have chosen to accept the will of God and are making preparations to rest him in peace. For those who worked with him, we ask that you show him solidarity even in death,” Mr Kimathi said.
In the wake of this tragedy, Mr Kimathi has issued a plea to young people struggling with similar challenges. “Choose God to guide you, but don’t choose to rest in that formula. Wait until your time comes,” he urged.
The family has thanked those who stood by Kimani during his struggles, including Mike Sonko and media personality Oga Obinna, who provided support during his darkest moments.
Kimani Mbugua’s death underscores the urgent need for better mental health support systems in Kenya, particularly for young professionals. His story serves as a stark reminder that outward success and public visibility do not shield anyone from internal battles, and that mental health challenges require sustained support, understanding, and professional intervention.
As his body makes its final journey home, Kimani leaves behind a legacy of talent and potential, but also a sobering reminder of the silent struggles many endure.
His father’s words echo with the pain of a parent who watched his son fight a battle he ultimately could not win: “He has really broken our hearts completely, and we have no way to deal with it.”
The burial service will take place on Tuesday, October 28, in Maragua, Murang’a County, where family, friends, and colleagues will gather to pay their final respects to a young man whose light was extinguished far too soon.
