Mike Sonko: Former Nairobi Governor Says He Has Bipolar Disorder

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has disclosed that he and his daughter have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Sonko made the revelation at Mathari Hospital while on a visit to ailing journalist Kimani Mbugua.

The former governor was accompanied by Oga Obinna during the visit.

“Hi si kitu ya kufanya PR nayo ama ku-enjoy wale watu wana-undergo that particular condition. Hio condition unakula dawa vizuri na ufuate ile psychiatrist wanakuambia, you’ll be okay,” Sonko said.

The politician said he was not clout-chasing or being dramatic for revealing his mental health issues.

“I am not here for vipindiree. I am here to help vile nilikuwa nime-promise kwa another forum,” he said.

The former governor said he wants to create awareness and help people battling the condition live a normal life.

The politician emphasized the significance of knowledge and positively accepting bipolar disorder patients.

He stated they are normal and there should not be grounds for discrimination against bipolar patients.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness.

It causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. These shifts can make it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks.

There are three types of bipolar disorder. All three types involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels.

These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, irritable, or energized behaviour (known as manic episodes) to very “down,” sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes).

Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.