The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
In a heartbreaking turn of events, all five quintuplets born to Mercy Kanini from Juja have died at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where they were receiving intensive neonatal care.
The tragic news was confirmed in a press statement released on September 16, 2026, by KNH Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joel Lessan. The infants had been transferred to the national referral facility from Thika Level Five Hospital shortly after birth.
A Battle Against Extreme Prematurity
The newborns faced insurmountable medical hurdles from the start. Born at an extremely premature gestational age of just 25 weeks, the babies weighed between 630 and 800 grammes.
According to hospital officials, a dedicated multidisciplinary team of neonatologists, specialized nurses, and allied health professionals worked tirelessly to stabilize and support the infants. Despite these intensive interventions, four of the babies succumbed earlier, followed by the fifth infant passing away a day later.
“KNH is deeply saddened by this devastating loss and extends its most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the mother and the entire family,” stated Dr. Lessan, acknowledging the profound grief accompanying the loss.
A Short-Lived Miracle
Kanini’s rare six-month pregnancy had captured national attention earlier in the week, marking what was believed to be only the fifth recorded quintuplet birth in Kenya’s history.
For the parents—Kanini and her husband, Evans Nyamhanga—the birth was initially heralded as a miraculous blessing. The couple, who already have two children, had originally anticipated quadruplets before welcoming the unexpected fifth baby. Following the birth, the family had publicly appealed for well-wishers and financial support to help manage the immense care required for the multiples.
As the family navigates this profound tragedy, messages of condolence and support continue to pour in from across the country.
