Details have emerged regarding a suicide note left by Daniel Koikai Mepukori, the father of celebrated reggae MC Mary Njambi Koikai, also known as Jahmby Fyah Mummah, before his death.
Daniel Koikai Mepukori, 65, was found dead in his home in Tatu City, Ruiru, on June 14. It is suspected that he died by suicide in his house just hours before his daughter's burial on the same day. He reportedly slit his throat, leading to his death.
Jahmby's sister, Naserian, mentioned that she received a text message from their late father on her mobile phone.
The message sent at about 5.44 am said in part “am sorry it had to come to this.”
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She attempted to call him back, but there was no response. This prompted her to visit his rented apartment, where she found the door locked from the inside.
She sought the help of neighbors, who broke a window to gain entry into the house.
Inside, they found Koikai's lifeless body lying on the floor, with a pool of blood around it.
Witnesses reported that he was holding a knife in his right hand.
Police stated that he had slit his throat with the knife and declared the incident a suicide.
The body was moved to Montezuma Funeral Home pending an autopsy and further investigations. The motive behind the incident is still unknown, according to the police.
Some mourners at the burial event at Lang'ata Cemetery noticed his absence.
Jahmby's uncle read the eulogy for her father, raising further questions about what might have happened.
At Jahmby's requiem mass, the now late Koikai publicly asked his daughter for forgiveness for his shortcomings as a father and for being absent in her life. He acknowledged his failings as a parent while eulogizing his daughter with a heavy heart.
“Dear Njambi my daughter, the time has come for me to atone for my acts of omission or commission on your final journey from this world it has been one of the most difficult episodes in my life, especially for your close family members – your mother, sister aunts, uncles and colleagues in the media and friends in and out of the country,” Koikai said.
“I will remember you in many ways and I ask here in public where I may not have fulfilled my duties as your Dad please forgive me, forgive me, and forgive me. And I pray that your soul will rest in Eternal Peace. Till we meet again bye-bye.”
In a separate eulogy, Koikai shared the final special moments he had with his late daughter, Njambi.
He described their relationship as having both good and bad times, noting that they only met when Njambi was in high school because he had been working abroad during her childhood.
“When times were good, we would go shopping and have lunch at some restaurants in the city, and you enjoyed meeting me very much. I deeply miss the good times we shared together.”
“During the bad times, we would go days or months without talking, something I blame myself for and will always regret as I’ve lost the chance to make things right with you,” Koikai wrote.
Police stated that they are investigating the claims of suicide.
Over the years, a rise in deaths has been linked to trauma. According to the World Health Organization, such cases are often attributed to joblessness, bereavement, academic pressures or failures, legal troubles, and financial difficulties.
Other contributing factors include bullying, previous suicide attempts, a family history of suicide, alcoholism and substance misuse, depression, and bipolar disorder.
The celebrated media personality was laid to rest at Lang’ata Cemetery in Nairobi. Jahmby Koikai’s burial ceremony was attended by Kenyans from all walks of life.
As per her last wish, the reggae MC was buried next to her late grandmother.
Family, friends, and fans paid their last respects to the reggae MC at Lee Funeral Home on Friday morning, where they were allowed to view her body.
Later, the body was transferred to Lang’ata Cemetery, where fans and celebrities again paid tribute to Njambi.
The gravesite was then covered with fresh roses as the mourners departed for their various destinations.
The funeral event was streamed by the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition and hosted by radio host Mbusi Deh and media personality Bernard Ndong.
Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba delivered a heartfelt tribute honoring Jahmby, and she revealed that the First Lady's office has initiated efforts to establish an endometriosis center in Jahmby's honor.
“Today I stand before you very sad, first to the family of Jahmby I was to pass a message from the First Lady who has been trying to intervene with mahali angeweza who I hope we will be working with her office to implement Jahmby’s legacy of having an endometriosis centre I pass her condolences,” she stated,
According to her father, the decision to bury Jahmby at Lang'ata Cemetery was made because the family wished for her to rest closer to her grandmother.
“She will be buried there and the family wanted her to be laid to rest close to her,” her father explained earlier.
The beloved media personality passed away at Nairobi Hospital on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, following a prolonged struggle with endometriosis.
Among those paying their respects were celebrities such as Jacky Vike, Talia Oyando, Larry Madowo, Larry Asego, Mbusii, Bernard Ndong, Njugush, Celestine Ndinda, Eddie Butita, Ciku Muiriri, Kris Darling, Senator Gloria Orwaba, Radio Jambo’s Lion Deh, Super Marcus, MC Gogo, Comedian Osoro, and many more.
