Double Tragedy as JAHMBY KOIKAI’s Father Passes on
Ambassador Daniel Koikai, the father of the late Mary Njambi Koikai, known as ‘Jahmby’ Koikai, has tragically taken his own life. This devastating event occurred just a day after he sought forgiveness for his shortcomings as a father during Jahmby’s requiem mass.
The heart-wrenching news was shared by blogger Cyprian Nyakundi on X (formerly Twitter), sending shockwaves throughout the community. Ambassador Koikai reportedly ended his life on Friday morning, mere hours before Jahmby’s burial.
A Father’s Heartfelt Regret
During the requiem mass for Jahmby, held on Thursday, Ambassador Koikai emotionally recounted their complex relationship. He shared both the joyful and sorrowful moments they experienced together. Their relationship, marked by both good times and prolonged periods of silence, only began in earnest when Njambi was in high school, due to his work commitments abroad during her early years.
“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. 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,” he lamented.
A Daughter’s Final Message
In a poignant revelation, Ambassador Koikai shared a final message from Njambi, sent just a day before her passing. In the message, Njambi, who was hospitalized, expressed her gratitude to her father and listed a few items she needed:
“Hi Dad, I hope you got home safely. So I would need red berry orange water from Del Monte and fresh orange and passion fruit juice. The doctors are here, so I’ll have to go and we’ll talk tomorrow. It was good to see you and reconnect.”
The Burial and Missing Presence
As friends and family gathered at Lang’ata Cemetery for Jahmby’s burial service, Daniel Koikai’s absence was deeply felt. His tribute was delivered by a family member, Edward Mucheru Njambi, who conveyed Daniel’s heartfelt words:
“It has been one of the most difficult episodes in my life, especially for your close family. Your sudden and unexpected death cut short your very bright and promising career at a time when you had already entered the political arena. Having vied for the Member of Parliament for Dagoreti South in the 2022 elections where you came an impressive fourth, my tribute to you will be my contribution to your life.”
He reflected on their late reunion when Njambi was joining high school and his pride in her educational achievements and aspirations.
A Father’s Sorrow
During the memorial service held at Nairobi Chapel along Ngong Road, Daniel Koikai opened up about their final special moments together. He expressed his deep sorrow over the lost opportunity to mend their relationship and his enduring love for his daughter.
Koikai passed away on June 3, 2024, and was laid to rest at Lang’ata Cemetery on Friday. His passing marks a profound loss for the Koikai family and those who knew them, leaving a legacy marked by both sorrow and the enduring love of a father for his daughter.
About The Author
