My final conversation with Jahmbi Koikai – Philip Etale

The reggae and media communities are deeply mourning the tragic death of Mary Njambi Koikai, widely known as Jahmby Koikai.

The heartbreaking news was announced by ODM spokesperson Philip Etale on Tuesday, June 4.

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“Farewell, my friend, sister, and simply the best friend Fyah Mummah Jahmby Koikai. Your beautiful smile, our phone calls about many things, including our days at KBC, your mastery of the Maragoli language, and the happy moments you shared with everyone. You had a large family, just a big family…go well, my friend,” Etale posted on X.

Speaking to Nairobi News, Etale paid tribute to the beloved media personality.

He expressed regret for not reaching out during her blood donation appeal.

“A close mutual friend informed me of her passing,” Etale said. “She was full of life, outgoing, happy, and very understanding. She had a big heart and was very kind, never holding a grudge. I knew her since 2001. She was also very prayerful. One of the things she always talked about was her grandmother, who she was named after and who was her source of inspiration. She used to wear and talk about a dress from her grandmother.”

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Etale recounted his last conversation with Jahmby in May when she told him she was not feeling well.

“She said she was not feeling well. She had just started performing again. She was a crowd-puller.”

Radio Jambo presenter Mbusi described Njambi as a peaceful colleague.

“Working with her was genuine work, and her advice was always truthful. We hadn’t seen each other for a while because she was unwell, but we kept in touch. We have lost a true reggae fanatic, and may her soul rest in peace.”

Two weeks ago, Jahmby sent a health proposal to President William Ruto, who was on a three-day national tour of the United States at the time.

Using her social media accounts, Jahmby urged President Ruto to consider treatment for endometriosis and emphasized the importance of investing in healthcare.

“This is a sincere call for help to some Kenyan leaders, but allow me to address this first to President William Ruto as he embarks on his visit to the United States. Honourable President, one of the key areas of your visit is investment in healthcare,” she said.

“Atlanta, Georgia is a dream city for every young girl and woman who has ever battled this terrible disease called endometriosis. There is a center dedicated to restoring the lives of girls and women who have been crippled by this disease, the @centerforendocare,” she explained at the time.

Jahmby also mentioned specific places she would like President Ruto to visit to better understand the disease and potentially help many women in Kenya.

“As you begin your tour of the United States, I would like you to visit places that would help millions of Kenyan women who are silently battling this disease, such as the Endometriosis Care Centre and the Women’s Centre at Northside Hospital,” she explained.

Jahmby’s legacy as an endometriosis warrior and vibrant media personality will continue to inspire many. Her advocacy for better healthcare and her passion for helping others will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.