Gone, not forgotten: Njambi Koikai takes her final bow

Popular radio and television host Njambi Koikai, also known as Jahmby or Fyah Mummah to her fans, has passed on. She was 38. She underwent 21 surgeries to cure endometriosis over the years. Njambi suffered from thoracic endometriosis, a condition in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus, or the endometrium, grows outside the uterus.
Last week, the ever-lively reggae emcee revealed on social media that she had been admitted to Nairobi Hospital’s Pioneer Ward and appealed for blood. “I kindly need Blood O positive. Kindly asking for blood donors for Mary Njambi Koikai,” she wrote on Instagram stories.

Njambi has undergone a series of surgeries both locally and abroad since she was diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 29. She left Kenya in February 2018 for treatment in Atlanta, United States, where she stayed for more than a year while undergoing treatment. Highlighting the effects of late diagnosis, she said it took her 17 years to get a diagnosis for the life-threatening disease. In a 2018 interview with the BBC, she talked about her struggles with the disease to raise awareness. In the interview, Njambi said it had been difficult to have stable love relationships because of painful sex and partners who did not understand her condition.

When the interviewer asked if she had lost partners because of painful sex, Njambi said: “Yes, yes, because the pain is so much that I don’t even want to go through it. And to find someone who understands that and is willing to go through that pain with you is hard. You know, to have to watch you go through pain every single month is crazy.” In August 2023, she described herself as a miracle for staying four years without undergoing surgeries since returning from the US. “21 surgeries. I am a miracle. I’ve been through ups and downs. Recovery has not been easy but I’m nowhere near those dark days. No lung collapses ever since. Rebuilding my body and strength,” she posted.

According to Endometriosis News, thoracic endometriosis is the presence of endometrial tissue in the thoracic region. It may in rare instances lead to pneumothorax in the left lung of young women, according to a case study. This condition, characterised by the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity, can cause the lung to break from the chest wall. In a social media post a few weeks ago, Njambi appealed to President William Ruto, days before he left for a three-day visit to the US, to invest in healthcare. “Mr President, one of the thematic areas [you should focus on] in your visit is investment in health,” she said.

“Atlanta, Georgia, is a dream city for every young girl and woman who has ever battled … endometriosis. [There is] a centre [in Atlanta that is] dedicated to restoring the lives of young girls and women who are crippled by this disease.” The news of Njambi’s demise sent shockwaves across the country yesterday, with many people taking to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to the fallen “endo warrior”. “My heart is broken. It is not fair. We lost Fyah Mummah Jahmby Koikai last night. Our warrior is gone,” nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba wrote.

She had earlier appealed for blood donations on her behalf. “Unfortunately, Njambi is back in Hospital, fighting for her life again. The endo warrior is at Nairobi Hospital, she requires blood group O+ as she battles with endometriosis. Let’s help Njambi get back on her feet again… Find your way to Nairobi Hospital and donate some blood towards Njambi’s blood bank,” Senator Orwoba said in a post on June 2. “Fare thee well my friend, sister and just best friend Fyah Mummah Jahmby Koikai… You had a big family, just a big one… go well my friend,” Orange Democratic Movement spokesperson Philip Etale also said.

Njambi, who was raised by a single mother, pursued a degree course at United States International University and gained fame while hosting reggae shows on Metro FM and QFM. She unsuccessfully vied for the Dagoretti South MP seat in 2022.

AM Live

AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.

BNX

Business Redefined

Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.

Comedies

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Documentaries

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Entertainment

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Full Episodes

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Gumzo La Sato

Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.

Health Diary

Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.

Letter To My Younger Self

Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.

Mazao Talks

Mazao looks at agriculture and agribusiness

Nation Reports

Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.

One Health Lens Podcast

Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens

Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.

Podcasts

Podcasts

Primetime

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Speaking of GEN Z

Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.

Sport On

Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.

Tech-over

The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.

Thamani

Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.

The Politalk podcast

This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.

The Trend

A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.

The trend podcast

The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA

The Wicked Edition

The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience

Trending

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Twende

Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.

Unscripted

This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.

VIP Access

VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.

WADR

This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.

When death do us part

In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.

Your World

Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.