Mike Sonko pens touching tribute to late Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua

Kimani Mbugua reportedly passed away at the Mombasa Women Empowerment Mental Rescue Centre Mike Sonko mourned him in an emotional tribute sh...

• Kimani Mbugua reportedly passed away at the Mombasa Women Empowerment Mental Rescue Centre
• Mike Sonko mourned him in an emotional tribute shared on social media as details surrounding his death emerged
• Netizens were deeply moved by his passing, especially given the challenges he faced in life, with many thanking Sonko for supporting him

Former Citizen TV and NTV journalist Kimani Mbugua sadly passed away recently.

The young journalist had been battling mental health challenges for some time, checking in and out of rehabilitation facilities multiple times.

He had openly revealed that he was living with bipolar disorder.

He had received support from several public figures, including Oga Obinna and former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko, who was particularly invested in his recovery.

Sonko had recently re-admitted Mbugua into a facility in Mombasa, where he showed promising signs of improvement during his first days of admission.

What we know about Kimani Mbugua's death

Initial reports indicate that Mbugua passed away while in Mombasa.

Additional reports suggest he may have played a role in his own death, with claims that he left behind a note.

Sonko revealed that Mbugua died at the Mombasa Women Empowerment Mental Rescue Centre, the same facility where he had been receiving treatment.

How did Mike Sonko mourn Kimani Mbugua?

While mourning Mbugua, Sonko vowed to share more details surrounding the young journalist’s sudden death once the police report is released.

He wrote:

"I will provide a detailed statement. For now, I send my deepest condolences to Kimani’s family, friends, and loved ones, praying that God grants them strength and comfort during this difficult time."

In a separate post, Sonko shared a video of Mbugua at the facility, passionately hugging a lady while engaging in conversation with him.

In the clip, Mbugua appeared cheerful, expressing gratitude to the facility’s management for supporting his recovery and recalling moments when he was at his lowest.

"We never gave up on him, always gave him a lot of hope. Rest in peace, Kimani Mbugua," Sonko said.

Watch the video below:

Netizens mourn Kimani Mbugua

Here are some condolence messages from Kenyans:

Jelimo Pascoline:

"So sad indeed, thank you so much hon Sonko for trying to save his life, may God bless you so much."

Duke Ombuna:

"You did your best Sonko. Let his soul rest in eternal peace."

Ngonyo C. Wahome:

"He seemed ok here what happened yawa."

Ann Wangui:

"You tried your best to rescue him..may our Lord continue blessing you and may he rest in peace."

Agnes Musembi:

"God bless you for taking care of him, may his soul rest in peace."

Ima LB:

"This is the news that has hit hard...dreams that began at 19 are shuttered when they are not yet fully accomplished at 30..death is so cruel...he didn't deserve such REST....bouncing back would have been the best rest....Rest in peace Kimani."

Did Sonko help Eunice Omollo?

In other news, former NTV health and science reporter Eunice Omollo finished her rehabilitation.

Omollo, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, was first admitted to Mathare Hospital before being transferred to Mombasa Women’s Rehabilitation Centre, where she completed her recovery.

Sonko, who helped support her treatment, was present to celebrate her graduation after successful recovery.