Former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua's dad has opened up about the stigma their family faced after Kimani's mental health began to deteriorate. In a heartfelt interview with NTV, Dedan Kimani emotionally recalled how people in their village gossiped about his son, cruelly claiming that Kimani had "gone mad."
This stigma extended beyond Kimani, affecting his sisters and other siblings, creating a difficult environment for the entire family. The hurtful comments even led Dedan to withdraw from social interactions, as the family's struggle with Kimani's mental health became a source of shame within the community.
People in the village said my son is mad. The stigma made me shy away, the sisters and mama were also affected. We know that at the end of the tunnel there will be light ~ Dedan Mbugua, Babake Kimani#GizaLaKamera @NBrygettes pic.twitter.com/50iuhRL72L
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) September 1, 2024
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Dedan Mbugua would often isolate himself from other elders in the village, burdened by the stigma surrounding his son's mental health. Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful, believing that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
'People in the village said my son is mad. The stigma made me shy away, the sisters and mama were also affected. We know that at the end of the tunnel there will be light,'' he said. Kimani is currently in a rehabilitation center where he was admitted in May after comedian Oga Obinna intervened with the help of his father.
Dedan Mbugua revealed that his son, Kimani, was suffering from bipolar disorder and expressed deep regret to those who had been hurt by Kimani's actions in his online videos. He also claimed that friends had spiked Kimani's drink at a party, which worsened his mental health condition. Despite the challenges, Mbugua vowed to stand by his son until he fully recovers.