Endometriosis is a chronic and often long-term problem affecting an estimated 176 million women worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Although it is a widespread issue, many women still suffer in silence because of insufficient awareness and understanding on the condition.
However, in recent years, several Kenyan celebrities have courageously stepped forward to share their personal battles with endometriosis, helping to destigmatize the condition and encourage others to seek help.
One of the most prominent voices has been the late reggae fanatic Mary Njambi Koikai, famously known as Fire Mama. Njambi was undergoing treatment and had been open about the excruciating pain and impact endometriosis had on her life and career.
She also started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her mounting medical bills.
She passed away on June 4, while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi Hospital.
Njambi had been admitted at the facility barely five years after her return to Kenya from the United States where she underwent treatment for complications arising from Endometriosis.
Back in January, Senator Gloria Orwoba shared Njambi’s inspiring story noting that the deceased had to travel 8,000 miles to America, to visit endometriosis specialists in Georgia.
According to the nominated senator, Koikai’s full diagnosis was Stage IV Endometriosis, catamenial pneumothorax with diaphragmatic endometriosis, sigmoid and rectovaginal endometriosis, and abnormal appendix.
Also Read: Sauti Sol Shares Tribute Revealing Role Njambi Played in Their Success
Natalie Githinji’s Endometriosis Journey
Natalie Githinji, another Kenyan celebrity, has also in the past shared her struggles with endometriosis. In various interviews, Githinji has highlighted the painful experience and challenges she has been facing while managing the condition.
She has noted that the condition has greatly affected her work in the entertainment industry.
For Natalie, she learnt that she had endometriosis in 2016 when she started having severely painful cramps and overwhelming flow. She said that the condition became so severe that she could barely walk because of the pain.
The condition caused her to lose a lot of weight and made her feel suicidal at one point. She describes her endometriosis journey as hell and disgusting.
Corazon Kwamboka
In June 2019, Corazon revealed that she had battled and survived endometriosis after intensive care and treatment.
In an emotional post, she stressed the importance of speaking out and seeking help, rather than suffering in silence. Further, she disclosed that she had undergone her last screening after surgery to have two cysts removed.
According to her, when she first went to see her doctor, she was depressed and had lost hope because it came at a time when she had just broken up with her boyfriend.
Also Read: Njambi Koikai Makes Appeal to Kenyans After Being Admitted to Hospital
Janet Mbugua
Media Personality and gender advocate Janet Mbugua disclosed that she was a victim of endometriosis and in 2005.
While sharing her experience, she indicated that she had to undergo laparoscopy for deep ovarian endometriosis adding that she had a difficult time during her monthly periods because of the unbearable pain.
“I had a lot of pain during my periods, I still do and if I don’t take contraceptives, I still have the pain. Ended up that I had ovarian cysts growing so I had a laparoscopy that was many years ago. Because my pain was so bad I felt like there was something wrong about that,” she said in a past YouTube video.
Ciru Muriuki
At the same time, media personality Ciru Muriuki disclosed in 2017 that she had undergone surgery to have ovarian cysts removed because she was suffering from Endometriosis.
Although the doctors had insisted that she had Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), she later learnt that she was suffering from endometriosis
Muriuki commended Jamby for her campaign to create awareness of the condition because many people were suffering in silence.
These brave Kenyan celebrities have used their platforms to shine a light on the often-misunderstood condition.
By sharing their personal journeys, they have helped to break the silence surrounding the condition and encouraged others to advocate for their health.
As Njambi Koikai eloquently stated, “Endometriosis is not just a bad period. It’s a debilitating disease that robs you of your life.”
Through their openness and advocacy, these Kenyan stars are helping to change the narrative and ensure that no one has to face endometriosis alone.
