NAIROBI, Kenya – Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has opened up about his decision to support Natalie Githinji’s endometriosis awareness campaign, admitting that he initially did not understand the condition.
Omondi spoke to Kalondu Musyimi during Natalie Githinji’s Endometriosis Warriors event at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on Sunday, September 27.
The event brought together thousands of people, including women living with endometriosis, their families, medical professionals, entertainers and other supporters. It combined medical education, personal stories, music and entertainment in an effort to increase awareness of the condition.
For Omondi, supporting the campaign came from recognising his own limited understanding of endometriosis.
“I felt like I didn’t support Njambi. I felt like I didn’t understand what endometriosis was,” he said.
The comedian explained that his initial knowledge of the condition was limited to hearing the word occasionally, without understanding its medical significance or the impact it has on people living with it.
He said he subsequently conducted his own research and realised that lack of awareness extended beyond him.
“I felt like all of us, or a few of us, don’t understand what endometriosis is. So I thought, what can I do using my influence to create awareness?” Omondi said.
His comments came as Githinji continues to use her own experience with endometriosis to encourage conversations around diagnosis, treatment and support.
The media personality has publicly documented her journey with the condition, including her recent hospitalisation and surgery. She invited endometriosis warriors and members of the public to the September 27 event, which was held under the Natalie’s Endometriosis Warriors (N.E.W.) campaign.
During the interview, Omondi reflected on how little he knew when he first encountered the term. He said he initially treated the word as something technical rather than recognising it as the name of a medical condition affecting people’s lives.
His perspective changed after he began researching the condition and learning more about the experiences of people living with it. Omondi said that research convinced him that he could contribute to the conversation despite not personally experiencing endometriosis.
“I don’t have to be a woman to shout it,” he said.
His involvement with the campaign has included mobilising support around Githinji and helping build momentum for the Endometriosis Warriors event.
In August, Omondi announced the campaign after visiting Githinji in hospital. He said the September event would celebrate women living with endometriosis and would feature awareness activities and testing for women and girls.
The campaign was organised through Githinji’s Yellow Bold Girl Initiative in partnership with Omondi’s Sisi Kwa Sisi Initiative Kenya. The event subsequently attracted a large crowd at KICC, with musicians including Nadia Mukami, Bensoul, Lilmaina, Arrow Bwoy, Guardian Angel, Bahati and Fena Gitu taking part.
Omondi also used the interview to address men and family members who may struggle to understand what women living with endometriosis experience. He urged husbands, boyfriends, brothers and other relatives to learn about the condition instead of dismissing severe menstrual pain.
“Go for a checkup. And kama you have a sister, or brother, or daughter, understand them, feel them, support them, walk with them,” he said.
The gathering also featured medical professionals who spoke to attendees about endometriosis, including obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Joe Njagi, who addressed the importance of recognising severe period pain and seeking professional assessment.
