The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The late former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua’s father, Dedan Kimathi, has opened up about his son’s final words before his passing.
Mbugua, aged 29, died by suicide on the night of October 14, 2025, at a rehabilitation centre in Mombasa, where he had been receiving treatment.
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Speaking to reporters, Kimathi said his son had grown weary of his struggles and seemed ready to let go.
“He told me, ‘I know I have taken myself; I have been a burden to myself, and I don’t want to be a burden any further,’” he recounted.
According to Kimathi, Kimani’s final remarks reflected deep despair following years of battling mental health issues.
“He said he had chosen to rest in the hands of God,” his father added.
The family confirmed there was no foul play in his death, saying they had accepted the painful reality after investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and review of CCTV footage at the facility.
“The DCI came and took the body. We are not blaming anyone. The footage clearly shows what happened, and we have accepted it,” Kimathi said.
News of Mbugua’s death became public on Wednesday, though reports indicated he died the previous Tuesday night.
Mbugua was a talented and promising journalist whose work at Citizen TV and Nation Media Group earned him recognition for his engaging features and storytelling. However, his rising career was interrupted by a long battle with bipolar disorder and substance abuse.
He had publicly shared his struggles, sparking national conversations on mental health and receiving support from public figures such as former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and media personality Oga Obinna.
Kimathi expressed gratitude to those who had stood by his son.
“We thank Governor Sonko; he had even promised to help Kimani start a channel to employ young people. Those are opportunities and dreams now gone,” he said emotionally.
In his message to the youth, Kimathi urged them to seek spiritual and emotional support during difficult moments.
“Choose God to guide you, but don’t choose to rest that way. Wait for your time,” he said.
Mbugua’s death, he added, had left the family heartbroken and searching for strength.
“He has completely broken our hearts, and we don’t know how to cope,” Kimathi said.
