Sonko rescues Kimani Mbugua again and vows to ensure full rehabilitation
Former Nairobi County Governor Mike Sonko has once again come to the rescue of journalist Kimani Mbugua after reports emerged that he had relapsed months after coming out of rehabilitation.
Videos that have been doing rounds on social media over the past one week had shown Kimani in a disturbing state, with reports indicating that he was based on the streets in Thika town, Kiambu County.
Sonko, in a statement shared via his official social media accounts, says he had dispatched his team to Thika on Sunday, March 30, 2025, which managed to trace and locate the former journalist within Makongeni on the outskirts of Thika town.
According to Sonko, Kimani was taken to his office in Nairobi, where he was provided with new clothing and underwent an extensive counselling session, noting that he has decided to offer him a second chance.
“Following reports that Kimani Mbugua has relapsed and gone back to the streets, today, I dispatched a team to locate him. 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. I engaged him in an extensive counselling session and decided to offer him a second chance,” Sonko stated in a statement posted on his X account on the night of Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Sonko takes Kimani to rehab
Sonko further stated that Kimani’s current condition could not allow him to be flown to Mombasa as per the initial plans and that he would instead be driven to the coastal town on Monday, March 31, 2025, where he will be readmitted to the Mombasa Women’s Rehabilitation Centre.
Sonko says he has chosen not to involve Kimani Mbugua’s parents this time round and that he will ensure the journalist remains at the rehabilitation center upon his full recovery, where he will be provided with an opportunity to work there in a different capacity.
“Given his current condition, we are unable to fly him to Mombasa as initially planned; instead, he will be driven back to the Mombasa Women’s Rehabilitation Centre tomorrow. I have chosen not to involve Kimani’s family at this stage, but I will ensure that he remains at the rehabilitation Centre. Upon his full recovery, he will have the opportunity to work there, similarly to Conjestina Achieng, who has been discharged and offered a position to provide counselling services at the Centre,” he stated.
Full recovery
He went ahead to emphasize his commitment towards Kimani’s full recovery, stating that he would provide all the necessary support and care.
“Therefore, I am committed to ensuring that Kimani receives the necessary care and support for his full recovery. Stay tuned for part two,” Sonko said.
Sonko had played a pivotal role in Kimani’s earlier recovery, facilitating his transfer from Mathari National Hospital to Mombasa Women’s Hospital in 2024 and clearing his bills.
