The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Mercy Kanini, the Juja woman who recently attracted attention after giving birth to five babies through normal delivery at Thika Level Five Hospital, has lost four of the premature newborns.
The babies died at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where they had been transferred shortly after delivery for specialised neonatal care.
The quintuplets were born with extremely low birth weights, ranging from 630 to 800 grammes, putting them at significant risk because they were severely premature.
Kanini’s pregnancy had lasted only six months. The delivery was described as a rare occurrence and is believed to be among only a handful of similar cases recorded in Kenya.
A healthcare official explained that the babies required advanced neonatal intensive care because of their extremely low weights.
Kanini had initially been prepared for a Caesarean section after delivering the first baby shortly after arriving at Thika Level Five Hospital. However, doctors later assessed her and determined that she could safely deliver the remaining four babies naturally.
Kanini said she was relieved and happy after successfully delivering all five babies.
She also praised the medical staff for the care and support she received throughout the delivery, saying she remained calm and was pleased with how both she and her newborns were handled.
The quintuplets were Kanini’s third pregnancy. She already has two children, a boy and a girl.
Her husband, Evans Nyamhanga, had earlier described the birth as a blessing, saying the couple had expected four babies but were surprised to welcome five.
The family had appealed for financial assistance from Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and other well-wishers to help meet the significant costs associated with caring for the premature babies.
The governor had already provided an ambulance to support the family during the difficult period.
