The heartbreaking story of Nasibo Kabale, a former Nation Media Group journalist, has recently surfaced, revealing her struggles with mental health and homelessness.
Respected health journalist, Nasibo Kabale’s life took a tragic turn after she left her job due to depression.
Through a video that was circulating online, Nasibo Kabale narrated how she ended up being Homeless, saying it all started a while back in the year 2020 when she was given the presidential award, but that came with a cost as she was one of the few people who were left behind after others were fired. What made her sink into depression was the way she witnessed the rate at which COVID was taking away lives day in and day out.
“Hiyo time ya Covid, used to see vile watu wanakufa it is then I was diagnosed with depression. Later, on niliadmitiwa chiromo mara ya kwanza, ya pili, ya tatu nikasema naquit kazi because it was too much.” Nasibo narrated.
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Why she Quit her Job
She was hospitalized for her mental health issues and prescribed anti-depressants, but her condition continued to deteriorate, making her to quit her job.
Nasibo rose to higher ranks and didn’t really tarmack looking for jobs because of her exceptional skills that were recognized from the first time she was spotted, making her be excluded from working as an intern.
“Venye Nilianza internship at Media Max two weeks in, they were like, Naaaaah huyu si wa internship…nikapatiwa job then I went to standard…I have never in my life applied for a job. Ni vile tuh mtu anaona kazi yangu ananiiita. I have never applied for a job in my life.” Nasibo said.
She clarified sharing reasons why she stopped working for media companies, saying it was not really willing as it was the circumstances that fored her to take a bow; she dropped out of Nation because of depression; and for Standard Media Group, she dropped out because she was pregnant and the pay was not that good.
She is currently staying on the streets doing jobs that can be described as ‘Odd’ trying to make ends meet because of a lack of an option, despite having a child whom she said is with her father—something that doesn’t sit right with her and she doesn’t have a choice but to accept because the child is being taken good care of. ‘The child is fine; she goes to school, she eats well; she is in grade 2, but mapenzi ya mama ndio haiko.’
Asked why the father is not or didn’t help her, she responded, saying that the father doesn’t really think it is a big deal and feels like it’s something she’s made up. ‘Anaonanga ni kama ni kitu nimejiekelea.’
Kabale is a graduate having learnt broadcast communication journalism and media studies.
Her story highlights the often overlooked mental health challenges faced by individuals in the media.
Kenyans and the public at large have symphatized with her situation with some suggesting that leaders and some other fellow journalists should rally and create a pay-bill or something to see how they can help Kabale from the situation that she is in.