New details have emerged surrounding the family of late journalist Kimani Mbugua after reports surfaced that his father, Dedan Kimani, has been in custody since February 2026 over allegations linked to an extortion case.
The development was shared publicly by YouTuber Vickie Vickinah, who said she had been contacted by the family and asked to help raise awareness about the matter.
According to Vickinah, Dedan Kimani maintains that he is innocent and believes he was wrongly implicated in the case.
“Kimani Mbugua’s dad was arrested in February 2026, and he has been in prison. According to him, he was arrested due to extortion allegations, but he insists he is innocent and says he is being framed,” she stated in a video shared online.
Vickie Vickinah Calls for Public Support
Vickinah explained that she learned about the arrest towards the end of April and attempted to reach out to people who could assist, but said the process had been difficult.
“The only thing he asked me was to share it publicly so he could get help. If you know you can help him, just go to Nairobi West Prison and ask for Baba Kimani,” she added.
She further appealed to lawyers and well-wishers who may be in a position to assist the family to intervene and help chart a way forward.
Online Reactions
News of Dedan Kimani’s reported arrest has drawn sympathy online, with many social media users expressing concern over the hardships the family has faced in recent years.
Some users called for legal assistance and emotional support for the family, while others shared messages of encouragement and prayers.
One user wrote:
“They should leave this man alone, he has already gone through so much.”
Another commented:
“This family has really suffered. May they find strength during this difficult time.”
Family Continues to Face Difficult Period
The reports have reignited conversations online about the challenges the family has faced since the death of Kimani Mbugua in October 2025.
The former Citizen TV and NTV journalist passed away while receiving treatment at a mental health rehabilitation centre in Mombasa.
Before his death, Mbugua had publicly spoken about his struggles with bipolar disorder and substance abuse, with several public figures stepping in at different times to support his recovery journey.
Among those who publicly supported him were former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and content creator Oga Obinna, both of whom later joined Kenyans in mourning him.
Dedan Kimani Previously Appealed for Burial Support
Following Kimani Mbugua’s death, his father made an emotional appeal to Kenyans for assistance in raising funds for the journalist’s burial expenses.
In a video shared online at the time, Dedan Kimani said the family was struggling financially and estimated that the funeral budget would cost approximately KSh 2.5 million.
“The budget we have is almost KSh 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.
During the same address, he also thanked people who had supported his son through difficult moments, including Sonko and Obinna, for standing by him.
