The recent appearance of videos featuring former Nation Media Group journalist Nasibo Kabale, now living on the streets, has caused an outpouring of concern among Kenyans.
The viral footage has left many shocked and saddened, wondering how someone who once held a prominent position in the media industry could find themselves in such desperate circumstances.
Nasibo gained national recognition in 2020 for her in depth and insightful reporting on the Coronavirus pandemic.
Her ability to navigate complex topics and deliver impactful stories earned her a solid reputation in the field of journalism.
However, the recent videos paint a starkly different picture of her life today.
In the videos, Nasibo is seen barefoot, disheveled, and holding a knife.
She shares her experiences as a journalist and explains the struggles that ultimately led her to a life on the streets.
The knife, she says, is for protection, as she lives in constant fear of being attacked while she sleeps in her makeshift shelter.
“You must sleep with a knife by your side because anyone can attack you at night,” Nasibo shares in the interview.
Nasibo’s journey into homelessness seems to be closely linked to her mental health struggles, which began during her time as a health reporter at Nation Media Group.
She revealed that she was diagnosed with depression, a condition that worsened due to the emotional toll of her job.
At one point, she even contemplated quitting and had suicidal thoughts as her mental health deteriorated.
In a bid to seek help, she was admitted to Chiromo Hospital for treatment.
Unfortunately, after little improvement, she decided to leave journalism and resigned herself to her fate.
“The company laid off many people, but I was among the five who stayed. Still, the job became unbearable when I started witnessing deaths. It deeply affected me,” Nasibo recounted.
The nature of her reporting, especially covering tragedies, played a significant role in her declining mental health.
Despite the hardships she has faced, Nasibo spoke with pride about her career in journalism.
She recounted her time working with Nation Media Group and Standard Media Group, noting that her talent and dedication were always recognized by her employers.
“I never applied for jobs. Employers saw my dedication and offered me positions. I left Nation due to depression and Standard because of low pay,” she explained.
Today, Nasibo finds herself disconnected from the world she once thrived in, relying on begging to survive.
Yet, amid the sorrow of her situation, there is a glimmer of hope.
Nasibo remains confident in her abilities, stating that she can still read and write, and if given a second chance, she would be more than capable of fulfilling her duties.
The heartbreaking story of Nasibo Kabale serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of mental health support, especially in high stress professions like journalism.
Her fall from prominence has not only touched many hearts but has also ignited conversations about how society can better support individuals dealing with mental health challenges.
Many are now calling for a collective effort to help Nasibo find the support she needs to rebuild her life.
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