Njambi Koikai, popularly known as Jahmby, has passed away due to complications from endometriosis. Her family and friends confirmed her death on Tuesday morning while she was receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
Njambi had been diagnosed with Thoracic endometriosis, a rare condition where endometrial tissue is found in or around the lungs, requiring specialized treatment. Just three days before her death, Njambi had publicly appealed for blood donations of type O+ on her Instagram.
“Hi fam, I’m currently admitted at the Pioneer Ward, Nairobi Hospital, and I kindly need Blood O positive. Kindly asking for blood donors for Mary Njambi Koikai,” she wrote.
The media personality and reggae MC had been open about her struggles with endometriosis and had received significant support from her fans. She had battled Endometriosis and Adenomyosis for over two decades, conditions that she said influenced her political ambitions in 2022 when she ran for the Dagoretti South MP seat, though unsuccessfully.
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside it, affecting the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and surrounding tissues, causing severe pain. Symptoms often include extreme period pain, heavy periods, and pain during or after sex.
In an interview with Citizen Digital, Njambi described how the disease affected her life, leading to the loss of jobs, friends, relationships, and even some of her organs. “I will always be grateful for the support, but unfortunately the tissues have spread to my teeth, heart, appendix, and spine,” she shared.
Njambi’s health struggles eventually led her to seek treatment abroad after a lung collapse. She was diagnosed with Stage IV Endometriosis, catamenial pneumothorax with diaphragmatic endometriosis, sigmoid and rectovaginal endometriosis, and an abnormal appendix.
In a previous social media post, Njambi reflected on the severity of her condition and the unpredictability of endometriosis, noting that she never anticipated spending two years abroad for treatment. “I learnt that my condition was even more extreme than I originally thought. I spent two years abroad seeking treatment thanks to the people who supported me through the endometriosis campaign and appeals for funds for my treatment,” she said.
Njambi Koikai’s death is a poignant reminder of the severe impact of endometriosis and the importance of awareness and support for those suffering from this debilitating condition.
