Numerous Kenyan celebrities have openly discussed the chronic health conditions they are facing.
One chronic illness frequently observed among women in the country and beyond is endometriosis.
According to the World Health Organisation, Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing painful periods, heavy bleeding, and pain during sex or bowel movements
The condition leads to inflammation and scar tissue forming in the pelvic region and (rarely) elsewhere in the body. Endometriosis can start at a person’s first menstrual period and last until menopause.
There is no cure, but its symptoms can be treated with medicines or, in some cases, surgery.
List of Kenyan celebrities who have openly disclosed that they are suffering from Endometriosis.
1. Natalie Githinji
It was in 2016 when Natalie developed painful cramps, and the flow was overwhelming, that she discovered she had endometriosis.
For Natalie, the condition became so severe that she could barely walk because of the excruciating pain.
The condition caused her to lose a lot of weight and even made her feel suicidal at one point. She describes her endometriosis journey in three words: hell, disgusting, and death!
2. Comedian Senjee
Content creator and comedian Sylvia Savai, popularly known as Senjee, in April 2024, revealed her battle with Endometriosis.
Expressing her vulnerability and determination, Senjee shared her journey of battling Endometriosis and emphasised the challenges she faces in creating content due to her frequent bouts of illness.
According to her, the condition leads to paralysis on the right side of her body every month during her menstrual cycle, causing some of her organs to fail.
She reached out to well-wishers for assistance in raising funds for specialised treatment in Atlanta, Georgia.
3. Jahmby Koikai
The late Jahmby Koikai was one of the most vocal celebrities who continues to preach against endometriosis, having been a victim from the age of 13.
The former TV and radio host flew to the United States in February 2018 for specialised after several unsuccessful attempts to get treatment in Kenya. She revealed that her case was worse to the point that it had affected her lungs.
Ms Koikai at one time stated that the condition cost her jobs and partners. In June 2024, Jambhy succumbed to the illness as she was receiving treatment in Nairobi Hospital.
4. Janet Mbugua
Media Personality Janet Mbugua disclosed that she was a victim of endometriosis and in 2005, she had to undergo laparoscopy for deep ovarian endometriosis.
In a YouTube video where she spoke about Periods, Janet disclosed that she still doesn’t have it easy because she experiences painful periods.
“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.
5. Ciru Muriuki
Media personality Ciru Muriuki in 2017 disclosed that she had undergone surgery to have ovarian cysts removed because she was suffering from Endometriosis.
According to her, several physicians she had reached out to insisted that she had Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Muriuki commended Jahmby for her campaign to create awareness of the condition because many people were suffering in silence.
6. Corazon Kwamboka
Socialite Corazon Kwamboka revealed that she is an endometriosis survivor, after a long battle.
Kwamboka in June disclosed that she had her last screening after undergoing 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.
7. Comedian Zulekha Walalo
Churchill show Comedian and former Radio Maisha presenter Zulekha Suchn Otieno aka Zulekha Walalo Ajaab came out with her condition in April 2019.
At the time, she was appealing to the public to help her raise money to undergo an endometriosis surgery after the doctors said her condition was getting worse.
“I was diagnosed with #Endometriosis and I have been battling with the condition for some time now. The doctor said it was exceeding day by day and that I should go for surgery to control the disease. Kindly help me with anything little. May Allah bless you,” Zulekha wrote.
NOTE: According to Medical Xpress, when endometriosis involves the ovaries, fluid-filled cysts called endometriomas may form, causing pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding. Surgery is a common treatment for endometriomas.