Dedan Kimathi, the father of former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua, has opened up about the tragic final hours of his son’s life, revealing that the 29-year-old passed away on the night of October 14 while receiving treatment at a rehabilitation centre in Mombasa.
Speaking to journalists, Kimathi recounted an emotional farewell marked by his son’s deep pain and quiet resignation. In what would be some of his final words, Mbugua expressed a sense of guilt and emotional exhaustion.
“He told me, ‘I had burdened you and I didn’t want to continue being a burden,’” Kimathi shared, his voice heavy with grief.
Before his passing, Mbugua left a final message to his family, reflecting his decision to let go after years of battling inner turmoil.
“I have chosen to rest in the hands of God,” he wrote.
Mbugua had struggled with mental health issues in recent years, leading to several hospital admissions and extended stays in rehabilitation facilities.
His battle was one he faced publicly at times, drawing both support and concern from fans and former colleagues.
A rising star in Kenya’s media industry, Mbugua began his journalism career at just 19 with Nation Media Group. He later joined Citizen TV, where he quickly gained recognition for his charisma, insight, and on-screen presence.
His death marks a profound loss for the media community and a heartbreaking end to a promising career cut short by mental health struggles.