What began as a remarkable birth story has turned into a heartbreaking loss for Juja mother Mercy Kanini, after four of her five babies died at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where they had been transferred for specialised newborn care.
Kanini had made headlines after delivering quintuplets through normal delivery at Thika Level Five Hospital, a rare occurrence in Kenya. The babies, however, were born extremely prematurely after a pregnancy of about six months.
Highlights
- Mercy Kanini delivered five babies through normal delivery.
- The quintuplets were born after about six months of pregnancy.
- Each baby weighed between 630 and 800 grams.
- The babies were transferred to KNH for specialised newborn care.
- Four of the five infants have since died.
Main Story
A Rare Birth Turns Tragic
Mercy Kanini’s remarkable delivery at Thika Level Five Hospital has been followed by devastating news after four of her five newborns died while receiving specialised treatment at KNH.
The babies had been transferred to the national referral hospital because of their extremely low birth weights and the level of medical attention required to care for extremely premature newborns.
A healthcare official explained that the infants needed specialised neonatal intensive care because they were too small and vulnerable to receive adequate care without advanced support.
Babies Born Extremely Premature
Kanini’s pregnancy had lasted approximately six months when she went into labour.
The five babies reportedly weighed between 630 grams and 800 grams at birth, placing them at significant risk because they had arrived well before full term.
Their condition required close monitoring and specialised newborn support after the delivery.
An Unexpected Normal Delivery
The delivery itself had initially appeared to be heading towards a Caesarean section.
Kanini said she gave birth to the first baby shortly after arriving at Thika Level Five Hospital. Medical staff then began preparing her for surgery to deliver the remaining babies.
However, after further assessment, doctors determined that she could continue with a normal delivery.
Kanini eventually delivered all five babies naturally, an exceptionally rare occurrence that had attracted widespread attention.
She said she felt confident throughout the process and was grateful for the care provided by the medical team.
Family Had Called the Birth a Miracle
Before the latest tragedy, Kanini and her husband, Evans Nyamhanga, had celebrated the arrival of the five babies as an extraordinary blessing.
Nyamhanga said the family had initially expected four children but were surprised to discover they were welcoming five.
The couple had also appealed for financial assistance, anticipating the significant costs associated with caring for five premature newborns.
The family had sought help from Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and well-wishers, with the governor already providing an ambulance.
A Family Now Facing Loss
Kanini is a mother of three, having previously welcomed a son and a daughter.
The death of four of the quintuplets has now transformed what had been a moment of celebration into a period of profound grief for the family.
One baby remains under medical care as the family navigates the difficult days ahead.
The story also highlights the enormous challenges faced by families of extremely premature babies, whose survival can depend on access to highly specialised neonatal care.
