Remembering Jahmby Koikai’s plea to Ruto on endometriosis as Natalie Githinji battles stage 4
By Valerian Khakayi, August 20, 2026As TV presenter Natalie Githinji continues to recover after being diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis, a plea made by the late media personality Mary Njambi Koikai widely as Jahmby Fyah Mummah to President William Ruto in May 20, 2024 has resurfaced.
Koikai, who dedicated much of her life to raising awareness about endometriosis, made the appeal shortly before her death in June 2024. She urged Kenyan leaders to invest in specialised care for women living with the condition.
In her May 20, 2024, message, Koikai directly addressed Ruto as he prepared for a state visit to the United States, where health investment was among the issues on his agenda.
“This is a sincere and heartfelt call for help to a few Kenyan leaders, but allow me to address this to President William Ruto first as he makes his state visit to the US. Mr. President, one of the thematic areas in your visit is investment in health,” Jahmby wrote.
Koikai then pointed to Atlanta, Georgia, where the Center for Endometriosis Care provides specialised treatment for patients with complex endometriosis.
She described the centre as a place that could offer hope to young girls and women whose lives had been severely affected by the condition.
“Atlanta, Georgia, is a dream city for every young girl and woman who has ever battled this horrific disease called endometriosis. Therein lies a centre dedicated to restoring the lives of young girls and women who are crippled by this disease. The @centerforendocare,” she added.
Koikai had personal experience with severe endometriosis. She previously revealed that the disease had affected her lungs, causing them to collapse, and that she had undergone several surgeries during her long battle with the condition.
She called on the government to consider ways of improving specialised endometriosis care in Kenya, including training and support for women who require complex treatment.
Koikai died on June 3, 2024, after a long battle with endometriosis. Her advocacy continued to draw attention to the challenges faced by women living with the disease.
Natalie renews call to Ruto
More than two years after Koikai’s appeal, Natalie also made a similar call for government support as she battles the condition.
In July 2026, she appealed to Ruto to improve support for women living with endometriosis, particularly by considering comprehensive care under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“Mr President, I also kindly ask that your government look into improving support for endometriosis patients by considering the inclusion of comprehensive endometriosis care under SHA,” Natalie said.
She said the financial burden associated with consultations, surgery, medication and ongoing treatment can be overwhelming for patients.
“For many of us, the financial burden of consultations, surgery, medication, and ongoing treatment is just as painful as the disease itself,” she said.
Natalie also called on the President to support her Endometriosis Awareness Campaign, which seeks to educate women and men about the condition, break the stigma surrounding it and encourage earlier recognition and treatment.
She said government support for the campaign could help give hope to thousands of Kenyan women living with endometriosis.
Natalie’s stage 4 diagnosis
Natalie Githinji is recovering after being diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis and is seeking support to facilitate her treatment.
“Finally out of ICU today, now recovering in the room but not in my best condition yet…. Mentally, physically and emotionally trash. My worst nightmare has been confirmed: I have stage 4 endometriosis,” Natalie wrote.
She has spoken about the challenges of living with the condition and the need for earlier diagnosis and treatment.