Once a prominent journalist and common figure during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nasibo Kabale is now making headlines for reasons that contrast with her past fame.
With her insightful reporting on health issues and charismatic presence, she earned the respect of many and was even recognized with a Presidential Award in 2020.
Today, Nasibo’s story is one of heartbreak, as she struggles with homelessness and separation from her daughter.
Here are some details we know so far about Nasibo Kabale.
She is an award-winning journalist
Nasibo Kabale was not just any journalist; she is a celebrated health reporter who covered the challenges of the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her work was so impactful that she received a Presidential Award in 2020, marking her as one of the most notable voices in Kenyan journalism at the time.
She is struggling with depression
After her stint at Nation Media Group, Nasibo’s mental health took a turn for the worse. She was hospitalized for her depression, prescribed medication, and eventually left her job to focus on her recovery.
Unfortunately, the treatment didn’t yield the expected results, leading her down a difficult path. Reports indicate that she has been struggling with depression for several years, a battle she has kept largely private.
She is living on the streets of Kibera
Today, Nasibo is homeless and living in the streets of Kibera, one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements.
In heartbreaking interviews, she has shared how tough life is, especially being financially dependent on someone who doesn’t treat her well. She scavenges for metals and plastics to survive.
She separated from her daughter
One of the most painful parts of Nasibo’s story is her separation from her young daughter, who now lives with her father. Nasibo has spoken about how much she misses her child, stating that being apart from her is one of the hardest aspects of her current life.
Her fight for independence
Despite her dire situation, Nasibo longs for independence. In one of her emotional videos, she shares how she misses having control over her own life—being able to go wherever she wants and treat herself with dignity. Her financial instability has left her vulnerable to mistreatment.
Kenyans rallying for her help
Many Kenyans who watched Nasibo’s videos have sympathized with her situation, and they have come together to raise fund to support her.
A WhatsApp group has been formed to raise money to take her to the hospital and provide her with the assistance she needs to get back on her feet. This collective effort shows the impact her story has had on her loyal followers and people who looked up to her as an award winning journalist.
Nasibo hopes to return to journalism
Even with her current struggles, Nasibo remains hopeful that she will one day return to her passion—journalism. She has expressed her desire to get back to writing and regain control of her life, not just for herself but for her daughter as well.