Life is a journey with two distinct phases: one of struggle and one of enjoyment. For most, these stages follow a predictable pattern, with the ultimate goal being a “successful” end—an idea that can differ from person to person. Some face hardships first, while others may enjoy the fruits of their labor earlier in life. Kimani Mbugua, a former celebrated media personality, epitomizes this cycle, having experienced a dramatic fall from grace.
A graduate of the School of Journalism at Moi University, Kimani’s path was originally intended to be in medicine, a field his parents had hoped he would pursue. However, by 2024, he found himself struggling to regain the success and lifestyle that had once been within his reach.
Kimani began his journalism career at NTV, and by 2014/2015, he had become a prominent cohost alongside Larry Madowo. His charisma and talent made him a household name, especially in the entertainment segment. His popularity only grew when Citizen TV, under Royal Media Group, hired him. He was often compared to successful journalists like Larry Madowo and Victoria Rubadiri, who have gone on to work for international media outlets.
However, in 2017, everything changed when Kimani collapsed at work. After being rushed to the hospital, he was diagnosed with mental health issues, marking the start of his downfall. The pressure led to his resignation from his job, and he began to self-destruct, turning to drugs and becoming heavily dependent on alcohol and cigarettes.
Kimani’s life continued to spiral out of control. In 2020, he publicly stripped naked in the Ngara area, a behavior that led to his admission to Mathare Mental Hospital. Financial struggles followed, and he found himself unable to pay his bills. Everything seemed to be falling apart.
In 2023, Kimani decided to open up about his struggles, admitting that he was both broke and battling with bipolar disorder. This revelation sparked an outpouring of support from well-wishers, including Nyako and a group of TikTokers, who raised around Ksh 500,000 to help him. They assisted him in relocating to a new home and even helped him launch his own podcast. For a brief time, things seemed to be looking up.
But by April 2024, Kimani’s mental health took another downturn. He began posting disturbing content on social media, even claiming he was worshiping the devil. Soon after, his accounts were deleted, and he vanished from the public eye. Rumors suggest that Kimani is still struggling with his mental health and remains in financial ruin.
His story is a stark reminder of how quickly life can change and how important it is to seek help in times of mental distress. Despite his rise to fame, Kimani’s journey underscores the fragile nature of success and the harsh reality of personal battles that are often unseen.
