Former Citizen TV and NTV reporter Kimani Mbugua has undergone an impressive transformation months after checking into a rehabilitation center in a bid to mitigate his mental health struggles.
The young journalist was admitted at the Mombasa Women Empowerment Network Mental Rescue Center, with former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko taking it upon himself to cover his medical expenses fully.
Four months later, Sonko shared an update indicating that Mbugua, alongside another former journalist Eunice Omollo, was on course to recover fully.
“There is God in heaven and may His name be praised. Former royal media journalist Kimani Mbugua and his NTV colleague Eunice Omollo are healed and fully recovered," Sonko stated.
Videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke show a jovial Kimani Mbugua all smiles as he sang a rendition of Sauti Sol's popular song Feel My Love. Eunice Omollo also addressed the crowd, sharing her journey to recovery.
Explaining his recovery, Mbugua expressed gratitude to the former governor noting, "Whatever you have done for me, only God can pay you back. Thank you so much to the community in Miritini and Mike Sonko."
"As you can see, I have gained weight here in Mombasa. I've enjoyed staying here. Were it not for other commitments, I would have extended my stay."
Mbugua's four-month transformation is nothing short of remarkable. In May 2024, the former journalist openly admitted that he was struggling with his mental health after a series of bizarre social media outbursts.
It was around that time that comedian Oga Obinna offered to help Mbugua, who was initially admitted to Mathari Hospital before getting transferred to Mombasa. Sonko, upon learning of the former journalist's plight, offered to cater for all his medical bills at the Mathari Hospital as well as oversee his journey to full recovery.
After checking into the center, Mbugua seemingly vanished from social media, presumably to fully concentrate on getting better- a decision that appears to have paid off months later.
A few months ago, Kimani Mbugua's father came forward to allege that his son's woes began after his drink was spiked at a party in 2020.
According to Mbugua senior, the life-changing incident could have happened on February 20, around the former journalist's birthday. Mbugua also allegedly mixed with friends who used drugs, and the habit eventually rubbed off on him.
Incidentally, the Mombasa Women Empowerment Network Mental Rescue Center is the same facility that is rehabilitating former NTV journalist Nasibo Kabale, who recently went viral after her videos of living in the streets went viral.
Former boxer Conjestina Achieng also received treatment at the facility courtesy of Mike Sonko's intervention.