Jahmby Koikai one of Kenya’s most prominent media personalities is dead.
Koikai popularly known as Fyah Mummah has for years been battling health problems.
The news of her death was announced by a close friend and nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba.
“My heart is broken. It is not fair. We lost Fyah Mummah Jahmby Koikai last night. Our warrior is gone,” Orwoba posted.
Just days back Koikai had posted on Instagram pleading for blood donors while admitted to hospital.
“Hi fam, I’m currently admitted at the Pioneer Ward Nairobi Hospital and I kindly require Blood O positive. Kindly asking for blood donors for Mary Njambi Koikai,” Jahmby wrote.
Jahmby has been battling a chronic condition known as endometriosis which has affected her since age 13.
Endometriosis is a painful disorder where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain and complications.
Jahmby’s situation worsened in 2015 when she experienced a series of pneumothoraces (collapsed lungs).
This was caused by thoracic endometriosis, a rare manifestation of the disease.
She underwent numerous surgeries and prolonged hospital admission.
The medical treatments available in Kenya were inadequate, spurring Koikai to pursue specialised treatment abroad.
In 2017, she launched a fundraiser to raise funds for her treatment in the United States of America.
Jahmby was an advocate of reggae music and Rasta culture.
She is fondly referred to by her legion of fans as the Queen of reggae due to her passion for this genre of music.
The media personality inspired many not only through her shows but also her strength and determination to fight endometriosis.
She garnered fame while hosting reggae shows on the pioneer urban radio Metro FM and also QFM which was under the Nation Media group.
Apart from this, she has organized and performed in a couple of reggae shows. Her band was known as Earthzone.
The versatile band performed conscious music and even held a concert a while back to try and raise money for her late grandmother who at the time had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
