Kimani Mbugua's Father Speaks on Suicide and Burial Fundraiser

Former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua’s father has made an emotional appeal to Kenyans to help raise KSh 2.5 million for his son’s burial expenses.

In a viral video shared online, the grieving father expressed the family’s financial challenges and confirmed the heartbreaking details surrounding his son’s death.

“The budget we have is almost 2.5 million. For me, raising that is hard — that’s why I’m calling on Kenyans so we can work together and give him a decent send-off,” he said.

Confirmation of Suicide

In the same video, Mbugua’s father confirmed that his son died by suicide, ending months of speculation surrounding his death.

“The footage is there how he committed suicide by himself — and we accepted it,” he said in a somber tone.

Read more : Mike Sonko Expresses Heartbreak Over Kimani Mbugua’s Tragic Passing

He went on to describe how Mbugua’s death has left the family devastated, calling it one of the darkest moments of their lives.

Gratitude to Supporters

Despite the tragedy, Mbugua’s father took time to thank those who supported his son throughout his troubled journey.

He particularly appreciated former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and comedian Oga Obinna for their interventions and kindness.

“I want to thank Sonko for standing with Kimani when he was alive, and Obinna too, for always checking up on him and giving him hope,” he said.

A Troubled Journey

Kimani Mbugua’s struggles with mental health have been in the public eye for years. His father previously claimed that his problems began in 2020, when his drink was allegedly spiked at a party. Following the incident, Mbugua reportedly fell into substance abuse and mental health challenges.

Public concern grew in 2024 after Mbugua’s plea for help went viral. This led to Mike Sonko stepping in to cover his medical bills and move him to a rehabilitation centre in Mombasa. Sonko later announced that Mbugua had fully recovered, and the journalist himself confirmed he was “healed and grateful.”

However, recovery proved difficult to sustain. In early 2025, Mbugua relapsed and was readmitted to rehab after a distressing video showed him disoriented in public. Although Oga Obinna had offered him a job to restore his sense of purpose, the plan was later shelved due to his unstable health.

In March 2025, after reports that he had returned to the streets, Sonko once again dispatched a rescue team that located him in Makongeni estate, Thika, and had him readmitted to rehabilitation.

A National Wake-Up Call

Mbugua’s passing on 15 October 2025 has reignited national conversations on mental health and addiction recovery in Kenya.

His story, once filled with promise and talent, serves as a tragic reminder of the country’s growing mental health crisis — and the need for sustained support systems.

As his father appeals for help to lay him to rest, Kenyans continue to mourn a young man whose struggles mirrored those of many others suffering in silence.