Kimani Mbugua

Kimani Mbugua, a former Kenyan journalist is renowned for his work with Nation FM and Citizen TV. He has experienced a profound journey marked by professional success, personal challenges, and a resilient recovery.

Mbugua’s career in journalism began with notable achievements. He became a familiar face on platforms such as Citizen TV, Inooro TV, and Hot 96, earning recognition for his engaging reporting and charismatic presence.

How I Got My Mental Health Problem

Kimani Mbugua’s struggle with mental health began years ago, when he was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. He explains that now looking back, he can tell why he made some choices and why his relationships were rocky. It was a struggle with the undiagnosed mental health disorder.

He explains that the disorder was worsened by childhood trauma that he was constantly struggling with.

“I was abused as a child by an older relative, when I was about 9, 10 years”

Mbugua explains that the journey with bipolar became even more difficult when he started using Cigarettes and later ‘Weed’ (Marijuana)

Mental Health Struggles

In 2020, Mbugua was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition that significantly impacted his life and career. His mental health challenges were compounded by substance abuse, leading to a period of homelessness and public pleas for assistance.

He explains that during his manic episodes, he could struggle focusing on things which impacted many areas of his life, including his career. He clarifies that for this reason, he has had to be on mood stabilizers which was also difficult since you need to take them until the psychiatrist says otherwise and they are quite expensive.

“… they are very expensive meds by the way. One tablet costs Ksh 85.00”

“It’s a very hard journey.” He sites that if you do not cultivate personal discipline, you will never get out of it.

Mbugua continues to explain that abusing drugs has really cost him. He emphasizes that you lose so much due to addiction. He remembers how the drugs impacted his relationship with his ex-wife.

“I remember one day I woke up and I looked at my ex-wife, and I realized,

She gave me a look after I had come with my stash of weed in the house, and I had been smoking it for a while.

She looked at me and asked ‘Is this how you want to live your life?’ and that’s the moment I realized that something was going to go wrong in that marriage.”

Mbugua continues to explain the deep scars left by the incident and how it had impacted on to the drug use patterns. He cites that resentments, childhood trauma and the insecurity in the inner child left a void, which he constantly tried to fill with substance abuse.

He insists the importance of dealing with childhood trauma and other psychological scars through therapy to ensure healing completely.

“I felt powerless. In front of a stash of weed, cigarette, a line of cocaine, I felt powerless. I could not resist it.”

Mbugua explains that his psychologist and the rehab experience in general helped him break the toxic relationship he had with the drugs.

Intervention and Rehabilitation

The deterioration of Mbugua’s mental health prompted intervention from various quarters. Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko played a pivotal role by facilitating Mbugua’s admission to a rehabilitation center in Mombasa, marking the beginning of his transformative journey toward recovery.

Kimani Mbugua emphasizes that the 6 months he has been to rehab is the longest period he has been sober.

He continues to explain just how much willing he was to overcome drug addiction this time round.

“When I was in there (In Rehab) I was thinking. And I told God, Please, do not let me come out of this place without a proper solution.” He continues to explain that he has had 15 relapses, all which he uses drugs on the first day he gets home.

However, when he got home in December 2024, things were different.

“When I got home today, I had no desire, because God helped me deal with the insecurities that had, I had deep insecurities, deep psychological issues, given I was abused when I was a child when I was around 9 years”

Support System

Throughout his rehabilitation, Mbugua received overwhelming support from family, friends, and the public. His father provided insights into the challenges faced, including an incident where Mbugua’s drink was allegedly spiked, exacerbating his condition.

Media personality Oga Obinna also extended support, offering Mbugua a platform to share his story and later providing employment opportunities post-recovery.

Transformation and New Beginnings

After six months in rehabilitation, Mbugua emerged with a renewed outlook on life. He publicly shared his journey of finding faith, transitioning from atheism to embracing spirituality, which he credits as a cornerstone of his recovery.

In December 2024, Mbugua was offered a position at Obinna TV, set to commence in January 2025, symbolizing his return to the media industry and a testament to his resilience and determination.

Conclusion

Kimani Mbugua’s journey underscores the complexities of mental health challenges and the profound impact of a supportive community. His story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the possibility of recovery and the importance of seeking help, resilience, and the unwavering support of loved ones.

Are you looking for a rehabilitation center or a place you can stay, in a safe environment but with the freedom to attend school or work, for you, a friend or a loved one? Reach out to Eden Village Rehabilitation Center and Eden Halfway House through our Contact Page.

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