In a candid discussion on Obinna TV Updates, Kenyan media personality and mental health advocate Oga Obinna sat down with host Jackie Ogaga.
They addressed the recent, devastating losses of several content creators he has supported, including Shalkido, Stooped Boy, and Kimani Mbugua. During the emotional conversation, Obinna explained why the passing of former broadcaster Kimani Mbugua was a particularly devastating blow to him personally and professionally.
A Job Laid Out
Whilst Obinna has extended a helping hand to multiple creators battling addiction and mental health struggles, he revealed that his relationship with Mbugua was uniquely close.
Prior to his passing, Mbugua was recovering in Mombasa, and Obinna had already put concrete plans in place to secure his professional future.
Obinna described how the two families had grown close, uniting around a shared vision for Mbugua’s reintegration into the media industry.
"We had already said if he comes back, he's going to get our job at Obinna TV Studios the whole thing was laid out."
According to Obinna, Mbugua had been doing very well prior to his sudden demise, making the news of his death particularly shocking.
“Kimani was doing very okay he was okay we were talking sometimes it was fine," Obinna recollected, noting how deeply prepared he was to welcome Mbugua into his production team.
Tragic Pathways: Shalkido and Stooped Boy
The background of the other creators Obinna helped paints a stark picture of the complex challenges facing young content creators. Shalkido, whom Obinna supported by securing a house and a motorbike, met a tragic end in a highway accident whilst riding intoxicated. Obinna recalled being with him just hours before:
Stooped Boy's journey was similarly fraught. Obinna influenced his placement in a Mombasa rehabilitation centre, where he initially thrived, gained weight, and returned with a clean haircut. However, after leaving the facility, Stooped Boy relapsed, returning to the ghetto where other content creators allegedly exploited him to stream insults against Obinna.
Addressing the psychological barriers to rehabilitation, Obinna remarked:
A Crisis for the Boy Child
Obinna, who serves as a mental health awareness ambassador, highlighted the disproportionate impact of suicide and mental illness on men. He cited staggering figures regarding the global crisis facing males, pointing out the silence that often surrounds their struggles.
"Globally 75 to 80% of suicides globally are men."
Despite facing intense online criticism and malicious "sacrifice" allegations following these deaths, Obinna remains resolute in his advocacy, though he admits he may adjust his approach to helping others from a distance.
