Murang’a County, October 28, 2025 – Comedian and media personality Oga Obinna was overcome with emotion during the burial of former journalist Kimani Mbugua, delivering a tribute that left many mourners in tears.
Known for his wit and charm on-screen, Kimani’s vibrant personality belied the silent battles he fought behind the cameras. Oga Obinna, one of the few public figures who stood by him through his struggles with mental health, spoke candidly about the unseen pressures faced by those in the media.
“Most of us in the media space don’t talk, but we go through a lot of problems because the media and society want us to be perfect,” Obinna said, holding back tears.
“Men go through very difficult times because society expects us to always be strong. But sometimes… we break too.”
His speech struck a chord not only as a tribute to Kimani but also as a candid reflection on the emotional toll of public life. He warned against the deceptive nature of social media, urging young people not to compare themselves to curated online realities.
“Social media is a scam — it’s not real. You see a perfect photo, a happy post… but it’s fake. You try to copy, you make bad choices, and you end up in a bad place,” Obinna said, his voice quivering with emotion.
He also condemned the culture of ridicule and competition among peers, calling instead for compassion and unity. “We are competing with each other instead of supporting each other. When someone struggles, we laugh or take pictures instead of helping,” he added, visibly shaken.
Kimani Mbugua, a former journalist with Citizen TV and later NTV, had battled depression and substance abuse for years.
Despite undergoing rehabilitation in Mombasa and the public support he received, his passing has left a profound void in the media fraternity.
Obinna’s tribute was more than a farewell; it was a stark reminder of the fragility behind the smiles, the unseen struggles of men, and the urgent need for mental health awareness in Kenya’s entertainment industry.
In mourning Kimani, Oga Obinna gave voice to the silent battles many endure, leaving a message of compassion, understanding, and the importance of standing together in times of pain.
Who Was Kimani Mbugua?
Kimani Mbugua was a Kenyan journalist who rose to national prominence at a young age. He worked for major media houses including Nation Media Group and later Citizen TV and NTV Kenya.
Rise to fame
- At just around 19 years old, he entered the media world and quickly gained attention for his on‑screen presence and storytelling.
- His early career included roles at Nation FM and NTV before moving to the more visible platform at Citizen TV.
- He was widely regarded as a promising young talent in Kenya’s media industry, drawing admiration for his charisma and journalistic potential.
Mental health challenges
- Around 2020, Kimani was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
- He publicly shared his struggle, saying: “I fell ill in 2020… I’ve lost so many things; I’ve lost so many friends on the journey. People got tired of me.”
- He also battled substance abuse, faced multiple relapses, and had several admissions into rehabilitation centres, including a centre in Mombasa and the Mathare Mental Hospital in Nairobi.
- His father revealed that Kimani’s final note said: “I am tired; I have fought this body for long… I have chosen to rest.”
Cause of death
- Kimani passed away on the night of October 14 / 15 2025 at age 29.
- He died while at a rehabilitation centre in Mombasa undergoing mental health treatment.
- His death is reported to have been by suicide, as per family confirmation and police investigation of CCTV footage.
