Life is a journey with ups and downs, where the ultimate goal is to navigate through challenges and successes, ultimately seeking a meaningful and fulfilling end. Some experience struggle before they can enjoy the fruits of their labor, while for others, the sequence may differ. The story of Kimani Mbugua, a once-celebrated media personality, exemplifies this unpredictable journey as he went from the heights of fame to the depths of despair.
Kimani, a graduate of Moi University’s School of Journalism, had a promising start in his career despite his parents’ hopes that he would study medicine. By 2024, however, he found himself on his knees, fighting to reclaim the fame and comfortable life he once enjoyed. His career began at NTV, where in 2014 and 2015, he co-hosted with Larry Madowo, quickly becoming one of the most popular entertainment journalists. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and Citizen TV soon recruited him, where he continued to rise within the Royal Media Group.
Kimani’s star was on the rise, and he was following in the footsteps of successful journalists like Larry Madowo and Victoria Rubadiri, who have since gone on to work for international media outlets. However, in 2017, Kimani’s life took a drastic turn when he collapsed at work. The diagnosis was mental illness, a revelation that marked the beginning of his downfall. He was forced to resign from his job, and soon after, he began abusing drugs.
His life spiraled out of control. By 2020, Kimani was found in a state of extreme distress, wandering naked in Ngara, which led to his admission to Mathare Mental Hospital. Financial struggles compounded his problems as he battled to pay bills, and his situation only worsened.
In 2023, Kimani opened up about his struggles, revealing that he was not only broke but also battling bipolar disorder and other mental health issues. The revelation prompted a wave of support from Nyako and other TikTokers, who managed to raise about Ksh. 500,000 to help him. They moved him into a new house and assisted him in starting his own podcast, which showed promise until April 2024 when his mental health issues resurfaced.
As his condition deteriorated, Kimani began sharing alarming content on social media, even claiming to worship the devil. This led to the disappearance of his accounts and a withdrawal from the public eye. Rumors suggest that he continues to struggle with mental health challenges and is once again facing financial difficulties.
Kimani’s story is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, where success and hardship often come hand in hand, and the journey toward a meaningful end is fraught with challenges that can derail even the brightest stars.
