Kimani Mbugua believed he would beat bipolar and return to the newsroom, says father

Kimani Mbugua's father speaks outside the mortuary in Mombasa on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. /SCREENGRAB

The late former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua believed he would overcome bipolar disorder and make a strong comeback in journalism, his father has revealed.

Before taking his own life at a rehabilitation centre in Mombasa, the 29-year-old left behind a note expressing hope that he would recover and return to the newsroom bigger and better.

Speaking on Tuesday as the family collected his body from the mortuary in Mombasa, Dedan Kimathi, his father, described a son who fought bravely to heal but could not escape his pain.

“He wrote to me, ‘Dad, I’m tired. I have chosen to rest. Today I do,” Kimathi said tearfully, his face etched with sorrow.

Kimathi said that before the tragedy, his son had remained in constant communication, repeatedly assuring him that he was getting better and would soon resume his career.

“We used to communicate, and he would give me hope, saying, ‘Dad, as I stabilise, I will come back to my journalism work and I will be the best journalist in this country because I’m young," he recounted.

Mbugua’s father said he supported him fully through his recovery journey, describing him as full of optimism despite the recurring struggles.

Before joining Citizen TV, Mbugua worked at Nation Media Group, where his captivating feature stories and lifestyle segments earned him recognition as one of the most promising young journalists in the country.

He had spoken openly about his struggles with bipolar disorder, sparking national conversations around mental health.

His plight drew support from several public figures, including former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and media personality Oga Obinna, both of whom played roles in his rehabilitation.

However, his recovery journey was not without setbacks. Episodes of relapse, partly linked to alleged substance abuse and negative peer influence, repeatedly disrupted his progress.

In April, Sonko dispatched a team that located Mbugua in Thika’s Makongeni estate after a relapse and readmitted him to the rehabilitation centre.

“I engaged him in an extensive counselling session and decided to offer him a second chance,” Sonko said at the time.

“I will ensure that he remains at the rehabilitation centre, and upon his full recovery, he will have the opportunity to work there.”

Kimathi said the family has accepted the painful loss, reiterating his previous stance that they do not suspect foul play in his son’s death, which was captured on CCTV.

“Besides, I confirmed that the suicide note was in his own handwriting. I thank everybody — Governor Mike Sonko, Obinna and every Kenyan who supported his journey,” he said.

Mbugua’s body was transferred from Mombasa on Tuesday ahead of his burial on October 28 in Maragua, Murang’a county.

The family has extended an open invitation to the public, especially young people and Gen Z, to join them in celebrating Mbugua’s life, creativity and humour.

“We are inviting everyone to honour Kimani. He touched many lives, and even in his pain, he wanted to bring people together,” his father said.