The intersection of mental health struggles and cyberbullying has led to tragic losses in Kenya's entertainment, media, and digital content spaces.
Behind the viral profiles, multiple high-profile figures have faced online mockery, depression, and substance addiction.
Edgar 'Stoopid Boy' (August 2026)
On 27 August 2026, the popular Arbantone rapper Edgar, known as Stoopid Boy, passed away. Reports suggest the "G Bag Na Jug" hitmaker died after battling severe addiction and mental health struggles.
Stoopid Boy achieved fame in 2024 with his street anthem "G Baga Jat." However, severe alcohol addiction heavily impacted his career.
In March 2026, he made a public threat to take his own life during a dispute.
Comedian Oga Obinna sponsored his rehabilitation. Yet, he died just months after leaving rehab and appealing for support to restart his music career, leaving behind two children.
TikToker Maribel Irungu, known online as Immac Irungu, died in May 2026. This followed a long, publicised battle with Bipolar 1 Disorder and severe depression.
Irungu’s manic episodes played out across TikTok Live streams. During these vulnerable periods, she faced intense mockery and online backlash.
She was repeatedly evicted from apartments due to her erratic behaviour, compounding her distress.
Kimani Mbugua (October 2025)
Former news journalist Kimani Mbugua died on 15 October 2025. He rose to fame at age 19, but his mental health deteriorated from 2020.
Before taking his life in a Mombasa facility, he left a heartbreaking note to his father.
"Dad, I am tired. I have chosen to rest,” his last post read.
Brian Chira (March 2024)
Content creator Brian Chira, aged 27, died in a hit-and-run road accident in March 2024.
The accident occurred in Kiambu. Before his death, Chira was a frequent target of relentless cyberbullying.
He openly admitted to battling alcohol addiction and depression, facing extreme financial constraints trying to pay for rehabilitation.
Capital FM DJ Alex Nderi, known as DJ Lithium, died on 19 January 2022 at the station's Nairobi offices.
The 34-year-old was a prominent DJ and producer. Before the incident, he deleted his social media accounts, sent farewell messages, and left a note on his desk.
Gerald Mwangi Ngima (2018)
In 2018, 29-year-old actor and photographer Gerald Mwangi Ngima was found dead.
He posted a detailed farewell note on Facebook. Instead of support, his cries of anguish were met with skepticism, mocking, and dismissive cyber-trolling.
Brenda Akinyi (May 2017)
Brenda Akinyi died in May 2017. She had posted on the Facebook group "Buyer Beware" seeking justice after her three-year-old daughter was defiled.
Group members subjected her to vicious cyberbullying and public ridicule, driving her to extreme depression.
Support and Helpline Advice
If you or someone you know in Kenya is struggling with mental health, depression, or addiction, you can reach out for support.
- Befrienders Kenya Helpline: +254 722 178 177
- Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation (EMKF): Crisis Line.
