The father of the late journalist Kimani Mbugua, Mr. Dedan Kimathi, has paid an emotional tribute to his son, describing him as a hardworking and dedicated individual whose potential was cut short too soon.
Kimani, a former Citizen TV Kenya journalist, tragically took his own life while undergoing treatment at the Mombasa Women Empowerment Mental Rescue Centre. Months before his death, he had publicly shared that he was battling bipolar disorder, a mental condition that had affected his work and social life.
The news of his passing sent shockwaves across the country, with Kenyans expressing grief and sympathy on social media.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who had previously sponsored Kimani’s rehabilitation, also sent his condolences to the family, stating:
“We never gave up on him. We tried until his last moments.”
During Kimani’s emotional burial in Murang’a County, his father, Dedan Kimathi, spoke about the deep pain of losing his son. He revealed a touching coincidence — that Kimani died on the same date he had closed a school project worth KSh 31 million, exactly 29 years ago.
“At the age of 29, everything was destroyed,” he said tearfully.
Family members and friends also remembered Kimani as a bright and talented young man who had opened up about his mental health struggles.
Jane Njoki, a close family friend, said:
“He told us about his mental health issues. He was a young man with a bright future ahead of him.”
Kimani’s death has once again reignited national conversations about mental health awareness, especially among young professionals in Kenya’s media and entertainment industry.
