Mental health remains a taboo topic in many cultures, but some celebrities are breaking barriers by sharing their personal journeys with mental illness.
Patricia Kihoro
Renowned actress and influencer Patricia Kihoro has revealed her battle with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition often associated with children but also affecting adults. ADHD symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Saumu Mbuvi
Saumu Mbuvi, daughter of former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko, has been open about her decade-long struggle with bipolar disorder. She disclosed that a breakup triggered her condition and described her experiences with hypomania and hospitalizations.
Kimani Mbugua
Former Citizen TV presenter Kimani Mbugua was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2020 and has faced multiple hospitalizations. He continues to seek help in 2024 following ongoing media outbursts.
Racheal Shebesh
Ex-Nairobi Women Rep Racheal Shebesh was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 22. She shared her experience of living with the condition, dealing with manic and depressive episodes, and the lifelong management it requires.
Dennis Ombachi
Popular rugby player turned chef Dennis Ombachi, known for his TikTok cooking videos, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2018. Despite experiencing symptoms for years, he only sought help recently.
Michael Oyier
The late TV personality Michael Oyier spoke openly about his seven-year battle with severe depression. His struggles with fatherhood, identity, and unmet expectations led to profound sadness and isolation.
These celebrities are using their platforms to raise awareness and destigmatize mental health issues, encouraging others to seek help. For support, reach out to the Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199.
