Njambi Koikai’s last request to Ruto before death
By Ascah Mwango, June 4, 2024
Kenyan media personality and reggae sensation, Njambi Koikai appealed to President William Ruto two weeks before her untimely passing.
Through a post on her Instagram page, Koikai, who was also an endometriosis ambassador, urged the President to prioritize health investments during his state visit to the US.
“This is a sincere and heartfelt call of 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.”
Koikai highlighted the importance of Atlanta, Georgia, for women suffering from endometriosis, a condition she battled for years.
“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 wrote.
She explained the debilitating nature of endometriosis, a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows on other organs.
“In simple terms, ni wakati tunapopata hedhi, ama periods, we shed the lining of the uterus. Unfortunately, with Endometriosis that lining grows on other parts of the body.”
Adding;
“In my case, that lining grew on my lungs, causing my lungs to collapse every month and countless number of surgeries. It took me 17 years to get a diagnosis.”
She emphasized the consequences of late diagnosis and lack of treatment in Kenya.
“The damage caused due to late diagnosis and lack of treatment in our country. After fundraising for specialized treatment, the extent of the disease had spread to my teeth, heart, appendix and affected my spine causing my organs to shift to the left. The adverse effects of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis cause infertility,” Koikai added.
Koikai pointed out the widespread nature of endometriosis, affecting 1 in 10 women worldwide, and the cultural taboos that exacerbate the problem.
“The numbers are staggering. Due to our traditions and taboos, young girls and women are shamed to believe that period pain is normal.”
In her plea, she requested President Ruto to visit key institutions in the US that are at the forefront of endometriosis care.
“As you commence your State visit tomorrow to the US, I’d like to kindly add a few visits that would help the millions of Kenyan women battling in silence. Please pay The Center for Endometriosis Care and the Northside Hospital Women’s unit and the directorship of Dr. Ken Sinervo, Dr. John Gouldman, the multi-disciplinary unit that helps to treat women from all over the world.”
Koikai’s death
Koikai passed away at Nairobi Hospital, where she was receiving treatment in the ICU. Her death came days after she publicly appealed for blood donations through her Instagram stories.
She passed away at the age of 38.
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