Popular reggae MC and media personality Mary Njambi Koikai, widely known as Jahmby Koikai or Fyah Mummah, is dead.
The Kenyan icon passed away on June 4, 2024, after a prolonged and valiant struggle with endometriosis and adenomyosis.
The news was first broken by nominated senator, Gloria Orwoba.
My heart is broken. It is not fair. We lost @JahmbyKoikai last night.
Our warrior is gone. pic.twitter.com/xBUzMl8P2F— Gloria Orwoba (@gloria_orwoba) June 4, 2024
Koikai had been an influential figure in both the media and reggae communities, using her platform to shed light on the severe impacts of endometriosis.
Koikai’s journey with endometriosis, a condition that has severely affected her lungs and led to over 12 lung collapses, became public after she experienced a lung collapse during her menstrual cycle. This incident came after 18 years of enduring excruciatingly painful periods.
Subsequently, she was diagnosed with stage IV endometriosis, including thoracic endometriosis—a rare and severe form of the disease. Her battles didn’t end there; surgeries on her right lung resulted in reactive airway disease and a chronic cough.
Despite these immense health challenges, Koikai remained a beacon of hope and resilience, speaking openly about her condition to raise awareness and support for others suffering from endometriosis. Her advocacy and personal story resonated with many, making her a beloved figure far beyond the reggae scene.
On the day of her passing, the reggae community and her fans expressed profound sorrow and admiration for her enduring spirit.
“Njambi had a good fight, a real story that we have seen unfold, but she always kept strong. Loved reggae music like nothing else. Finally, she bows out. May she rest in peace,” said user @jumaf3.
