The father of former TV journalist Kimani Mbugua has revealed details of his son’s final moments, confirming that he left behind a note before taking his own life.
Speaking on Tuesday, Dedan Kimathi said CCTV footage at Mama Amina Rescue Centre, where Kimani had been staying, showed his son’s final actions, adding that the evidence confirmed he had taken his own life.
He noted that the same can be confirmed through his writings and the suicide note he left behind.
“I thank Mama Amina Rescue Centre. Every corner has CCTV and what it shows proves that he did it. I also confirmed through his writings because he wrote me a note saying, ‘Dad, I am tired, I have chosen to rest’. What would I do? It’s okay,” Kimathi said.
He added that the family had been in constant communication with Kimani, who had expressed hopes of returning to his journalism career after recovering from his struggles.
“We were in constant communication, and he would tell me, ‘Dad, as I stabilize, I will come back to my journalism work and I will be the best journalist in this country because I am young,’” Kimathi said.
The grieving father described his role as one of support, saying he had done everything possible to help his son regain stability.
“My work as a dad was only to support him to recover,” he said, expressing gratitude to those who had stood by Kimani during his difficult journey.
He thanked former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, comedian Oga Obinna, and Kenyans who had rallied behind Kimani in recent months as he battled mental health challenges.
“I thank everybody — former Governor Mike Sonko, Oga Obinna, and every Kenyan who supported his journey,” he said.
Kimani Mbugua, who gained fame as a journalist with NTV and later Citizen TV, had in the past publicly shared his struggle with mental health and substance abuse.
His story drew sympathy and support from many Kenyans, including public figures who offered him assistance.
Kimani’s father spoke as the family moved his remains from Mombasa to Nairobi, where a memorial will be held ahead of burial.
