Media personality Mary Njambi Koikai, known publicly as ‘Empress Fyah Mummah Jahmby,’ passed away due to endometriosis after a prolonged illness. She had gained widespread fame across Kenya and various African countries for her passionate and unique presentations of Reggae music.
Born in Kawangware, Nairobi, Mary developed a love for reggae music during her upbringing in St. Hannah’s Preparatory School and Makini Schools.
She pursued higher education at Daystar and USIU Universities, earning degrees in Media-International Relations and French, respectively.
Despite initially aspiring to become a news anchor, Mary found herself drawn into other career paths.
She battled Endometriosis and Adenomyosis for nearly two decades, enduring significant physical and mental challenges including multiple surgeries and organ loss.
Mary, reflecting on her journey, spoke of her deep contemplation about life and purpose amidst her health struggles.
She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to potentially continue serving her community post-recovery.
Since the age of 13, Mary endured debilitating pain from Thoracic Endometriosis, leading to numerous surgeries and substantial medical expenses. She also served as the first manager of Sauti Sol and appeared regularly on NTV.
In 2022, Mary ventured into politics, albeit unsuccessfully, aiming to represent Dagoreti South. Throughout her campaign, she passionately advocated for women’s health issues, particularly endometriosis awareness.
Heart-breaking Memories-Jahmby Kokai
“I’ve been in deep thought about my life and my purpose. I battled Endometriosis and Adenomyosis for close to 20 years. I lost friends, jobs, relationships, lost some of my organs to this disease and dealt with a whole load of physical and mental trauma.
The tubes in my chest in this picture were not all fixed in one day. It started with one chest tube, then the regular x-ray sessions the following morning showed I had some pockets of water in my lungs.
I was taken in to the operating room and another chest tube was inserted. On the third day, the x-ray sessions showed more water up my ribs.
Another chest tube added. Fourth day, same thing. Fifth day, my doctor walked in and said to me, ‘Your chest is filled with tubes and we’ve found more fluid up closer to your breast.
We can access that point by inserting a tube in your back’. I asked if they could insert the tubes on my chest so I can be able to lie on my back.
I ended up with five tubes. The howling, growling and pumping of the tubes was nothing I ever imagined. My tiny body was drained, pumped with medication and emaciated.
I never cried. Instead I was caught up in thought. The prospects of surviving this were not very promising and every single day presented itself with new challenges.
I knew that the only thing I had to do was to stay positive and cancel any negativity.
I thought about my life and the multi-faceted dynamics I’ve had to experience.
I thought about my family and my community. This space of pain gave me more time to recoup my life’s purpose and I made a commitment to God and myself that when I survive I will go back and serve the community I was born and raised in”.
The passing of Mary Njambi Koikai has deeply saddened Kenyans and the media community, who remember her as a champion of reggae and advocate for health causes.