Natalie Githinji’s moving tribute to Jahmby Koikai 1 year after her death
Today marks one year since the passing of Mary Njambi Koikai, popularly known as Jahmby or Fyah Mummah, a reggae sensation, media personality, and advocate for women’s health.
Jahmby died on June 4, 2024, at the age of 38, after a long and difficult battle with a rare and severe form of endometriosis.
Media personality Natalie Githinji shared an emotional tribute on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, to mark Jahmby’s first death anniversary. Natalie, who also battles endometriosis, revealed how the pain of losing Jahmby remains raw and fresh even after a year.
She recounted a recent moment when a shout-out to Jahmby in a song triggered an intense wave of grief, describing it as feeling like a sharp sword through her chest. Despite the ongoing pain and numbness, Natalie honoured Jahmby as a warrior who gave her purpose and showed her what hope looks like.
She expressed her love and remembered Jahmby as a source of strength and inspiration.
“1 year down, I still can’t drop that post, 1 year down, still in pain. Friday, I was shopping somewhere and Gmoney’s mix was playing and he gave you a shout out….then a guy next to me said ‘Jahmby Koikai Fayah mammah’ and I felt as if a sharp sword had passed through my chest….and that’s how I knew I have never healed….my heart is still in pain,” Natalie expressed.
Adding;
“Still numb, but I celebrate you today, Sis, you gave me purpose and showed me what HOPE looks like. A WARRIOR forever. Continue resting, mummy. I love you, Jahmby.”
Endometriosis
Jahmby’s health struggles began at just 13 years old, when she started experiencing severe menstrual pain. Unfortunately, it took 17 years before she received a proper diagnosis. During those years, her symptoms were often misdiagnosed or dismissed, leading to delayed treatment. By the time doctors identified her condition as stage IV thoracic endometriosis, a rare and aggressive form of the disease, her health had deteriorated significantly.
The illness had spread to her lungs, diaphragm, appendix, and spine, causing multiple lung collapses and severe complications.
In 2018, Jahmby travelled to Atlanta, Georgia, to receive specialised care at the Centre for Endometriosis Care. There, she underwent 21 surgeries to remove endometrial tissue from various affected organs.
In her final days, Jahmby appealed to Kenyan leaders, including President William Ruto, urging them to invest in healthcare facilities specialising in endometriosis treatment. She encouraged them to learn from centres abroad that have successfully treated women with the condition, hoping Kenya could one day offer similar services to save lives.
