Why I re-admitted journalist Kimani Mbugua to rehab – Sonko

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has explained why he decided to readmit journalist Kimani Mbugua to a rehabilitation center.

In a statement, he said he will ensure that Mbugua recovers and gets the opportunity to work at the rehab centre, helping others.

“I am committed to ensuring that Kimani receives the necessary care and support for his full recovery,” the former Governor said.

Sonko said that following reports of Mbugua’s relapse, he dispatched a team to locate him, finding him in the Makongeni estate in Thika.

He explained that Mbugua was brought to his office, where they assessed his well-being after providing him with new clothing and allowing him to take a refreshing shower.

“I engaged him in an extensive counselling session and decided to offer him a second chance,” Sonko said.

He stated that, considering Mbugua’s condition, they were unable to fly him to Mombasa as initially planned, but he was driven to the city’s Women's Rehabilitation Centre

“I will ensure that he remains at the rehabilitation centre. Upon his full recovery, he will have the opportunity to work there,” he said.

At the time, Sonko revealed that boxer Conjestina Achieng, who was once a patient at the centre, was discharged and offered a position to provide counselling services at the centre.

Additionally, former NTV journalist Eunice Omollo, who was admitted to Mathari Mental Hospital alongside Mbugua and later transferred to the Mombasa Women's Rehabilitation Centre, is now employed at K24 TV.

He noted that recently, she produced two documentaries—one focusing on tuberculosis and the other on World Bipolar Day.

“This is a positive development, as she has successfully returned to her profession,” Sonko noted.

Mbugua’s struggles with mental health and addiction became widely publicised in 2024, following a series of bizarre social media outbursts.

This sparked discussions on the need for better mental health support systems in the country.