Mary Njambi Koikai, better known as Jahmby Koikai, dedicated most of her short life to telling her fellow Kenyans about the debilitating condition of endometriosis, which led to her death this week aged just 38.
As a popular radio host and reggae DJ, she had the perfect platform.
Bravely, she shared her struggles, often calling those in authority to account, demanding better healthcare for women, especially those struggling with the menstrual disorder.
“People really identified with her suffering, with her pain,” fellow activist Doris Murimi told the BBC.
From the tender age of 13, she experienced a regular monthly torment, an excruciating pain that came with her menstrual cycle.
However, it took 17 years to know exactly what she was suffering from and get a proper diagnosis for the condition.
That was because of the lack of local facilities specialising in the treatment of endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition associated with menstruation where tissue similar to the lining of the womb develops in other areas of the body, including the fallopian tubes, pelvis, bowel, vagina and intestines.
Endometriosis is not considered fatal, but in rare instances it can cause life-threatening complications.
Symptoms include severe to debilitating pain often in the pelvic area, fatigue, and heavy periods.
In rare cases it can also appear in other parts of the body including the lungs, brain, and skin.
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