Kenya, March 31 -- Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has once again stepped in to assist struggling journalist Kimani Mbugua, dispatching a rescue team on Sunday, March 30, 2025, following alarming reports that the ex-Citizen TV presenter had relapsed and returned to the streets.
Mbugua, whose battles with mental health and substance abuse have been widely documented, was located in Makongeni Estate, Thika, Kiambu County, and brought to Sonko's headquarters for immediate care.
The operation unfolded after videos surfaced online last week showing Mbugua in a dishevelled state, wandering the streets of Thika and collecting debris-an alarming regression just months after his discharge from a rehabilitation program in December 2024.
Public concern escalated as social media posts highlighted his plight, prompting Sonko, a known benefactor of Mbugua, to take action.
"Following reports that Kimani Mbugua has relapsed and gone back to the streets, today I dispatched a team to locate him," Sonko announced in a statement posted on X at 7:23 AM EAT on Monday.
"He was found in Makongeni Estate, Thika, Kiambu County. He was brought to our headquarters, where we are currently overseeing his well-being after providing him with new clothing and allowing him to take a refreshing shower."
Sonko's team acted with urgency, tracing Mbugua to the outskirts of Thika town within hours of receiving the tip-off. The former governor shared images of Mbugua post-rescue, showing him cleaned up and dressed in fresh attire, a stark contrast to the troubling footage that had circulated earlier.
Mbugua's downward spiral has been a public saga since 2020, when he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder following an alleged drink-spiking incident at a party.
Once a rising star in Kenyan media, known for his engaging "Broken News" segment on Citizen TV, Mbugua's career unravelled as he grappled with mental illness and substance abuse, including alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana. His struggles led to homelessness, financial ruin, and multiple stints in rehabilitation facilities.
Sonko has been a key figure in Mbugua's recovery efforts, previously funding his treatment at Mathari National Hospital and later transferring him to the Mombasa Women's Rehabilitation Centre in 2024.
After months of progress, Mbugua was discharged in December to spend the holidays with his family, a move that appeared to signal hope for his recovery. However, recent developments suggest that his sobriety and stability were short-lived.
In a detailed update titled "The Interesting Story of Kimani Mbugua: Part Two," Sonko revealed plans to transport Mbugua back to the Mombasa facility on Monday, March 31, opting to drive him rather than fly due to his current condition and past tendencies toward violence when under the influence.
"He will not be flown to the rehab centre but driven," Sonko noted, adding that he has chosen not to involve Mbugua's family at this stage.
Sonko's intervention extends beyond Mbugua. In his statements, he referenced other individuals he has supported, including former boxer Conjestina Achieng, who has recovered and now works at the Mombasa centre to prevent relapse, and ex-NTV journalist Eunice Omollo, who, after rehabilitation, has resumed her career at K24.
Sonko hinted at a similar long-term plan for Mbugua, suggesting he could work at the facility post-recovery to ensure sustained stability.
"I engaged him in an extensive counselling session and decided to offer him a second chance," Sonko wrote, emphasising his commitment to Mbugua's full rehabilitation. "I am committed to ensuring that Kimani receives the necessary care and support for his full recovery. Stay tuned for part three."
The news of Mbugua's relapse and subsequent rescue has sparked a mix of sympathy and frustration online. Posts on X praised Sonko's swift action, with one user noting, "Sonko is doing God's work here-Kimani needs all the help he can get."
Others, however, expressed concern over the recurring nature of Mbugua's struggles, questioning the effectiveness of past interventions. "How many times will this happen before he's truly stable?" one post read.
Mbugua's case has also reignited discussions about mental health support in Kenya, with advocates calling for more robust systems to prevent relapse among recovering individuals.
His father, in a January 2025 interview, suggested a full 12-month therapy program-double the six months Mbugua completed last year-might be necessary, a sentiment Sonko appears to echo with his latest commitment.
As Mbugua prepares for his return to Mombasa, Sonko's team is overseeing his immediate needs, including medical evaluations and counselling. The former governor has vowed to provide updates, with a third installment of Mbugua's story promised soon.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.