Jun 12, 2024 5 Min Read
Mary Njambi Koikai, also known as Jahmby Koikai, spent the most of her short life educating Kenyans about the crippling ailment endometriosis, which caused her death last week at the age of 38.
As a prominent radio broadcaster and reggae DJ, she had the ideal platform.
She bravely acknowledged her hardships, frequently holding those in positions of authority accountable and seeking improved healthcare for women, particularly those suffering from menstrual disorders.
"People really identified with her suffering, with her pain," Doris Murimi, another activist, told the BBC.
She suffered from agonizing agony associated with her menstrual cycle since she was 13 years old.
Name | Njambi Koikai |
---|---|
Birth Details | Born on November 24, 1986, in Nairobi, Kenya |
Tribal Affiliation | Dagoretti tribe, a subgroup of the Kikuyu community |
Career | Renowned Kenyan reggae MC, radio host, and activist |
Personal Life | Kept personal life private; no public information on husband or child |
Illness | Diagnosed with endometriosis at age 19; underwent multiple surgeries and treatments |
Cause of Death | Complications related to endometriosis, died on June 3, 2024, at age 38 |
Legacy | Courageous advocate for women’s health and endometriosis awareness, symbol of strength and resilience |
Njambi Koikai cause of Death
She died from a disease known as endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a gynaecological disorder associated with menstruation in which tissue comparable to the womb lining develops in other parts of the body, such as the fallopian tubes, pelvic, colon, vagina, and intestines.
Endometriosis is not usually fatal, but in rare cases, it can produce life-threatening consequences.
Symptoms include intense to devastating pain, particularly in the pelvis, tiredness, and heavy periods.
In rare situations, it might manifest in other regions of the body, such as the lungs, brain, and skin.
Ms Koikai's was one of those extreme examples, with her condition deteriorating over time, particularly as her reproductive organs developed.
It had an impact on her education, relationships, career, and other parts of her life.
She told the BBC in 2020 that she once took an exam at university but was unable to write anything due to agony. She had to repeat a few years, which delayed her graduation.
In 2015, her lung collapsed due to thoracic endometriosis, a rare form of the disease. The disease would reoccur in succeeding months and years, frequently necessitating specialist surgery.
One of the most memorable images of Ms Koikai is of her in a hospital bed, her upper body tightly wrapped and numerous tubes running down the right side of her chest.
This occurred in 2018, after she had already had a number of lung collapses and procedures.
She had been admitted to a specialty hospital in the United States and was gathering funds for the pricey treatment.
She was weak and in great agony. "I will not describe the pain because I lack words that aptly fit what I've been through," she stated at the time.
Her body was damaged by the ailment. At the US hospital, endometriosis-related tissue was removed from her uterus, digestive areas, and ovaries.
Her lungs were the most difficult issue, she said.
It had gone so far, thanks in part to how it had previously been controlled back home, that the surgeon in the United States couldn't "believe all that had been done."
Despite her numerous scars, she was still smiling.
Koikai was born and reared in Nairobi, Kenya, as a member of the Dagoretti tribe, a branch of the Kikuyu people. Growing up in a musical family, she was exposed to a wide range of music genres, but reggae was her favorite. She began DJing as a teenager, inspired by her love of reggae music.
Koikai rose to prominence as a reggae MC and radio personality in Kenya's entertainment industry. Her distinct approach and extensive knowledge of reggae music set her apart from others. She immediately gained a loyal following due to her lively performances and ability to connect with her audience, becoming a household figure in reggae entertainment in Kenya and elsewhere.
Koikai contributed significantly to the media business. She began as a radio host, and her engaging personality drew a wide audience. She was given the nickname "Fyah Mummah Jahmby" because of her strong affinity for reggae. Koikai also rose to prominence as a television presenter, anchoring shows that drew in viewers and created forums for conversations about social concerns.
Koikai's lobbying efforts were critical in increasing awareness about endometriosis, a condition she suffered for nearly two decades. She had numerous surgeries and therapies both domestically and internationally, demonstrating her courage and drive to beat the cancer. She utilized her platform to raise awareness about endometriosis and called on the government to declare it a national calamity. Her efforts raised awareness of the predicament of many Kenyan women who suffer in silence from this ailment.
Koikai kept her personal life secret, not sharing information about her child or spouse. Despite her public persona, she remained focused on her business and advocacy while respecting the boundaries of her fans and the media.
Njambi Koikai died on June 3, 2024, aged died aged 38, while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital. Her death stunned and grieved many Kenyans, since she represented strength and resilience. Koikai's legacy is one of courage, resilience, and advocacy, making an indelible mark on the entertainment and activist sectors.
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