Mercy Kanini, a 28-year-old mother from Juja, went into labour on 13 September 2026. She was admitted to the labour ward at Thika Level Five Hospital and delivered five premature babies naturally.
The infants comprised four girls and one boy. Medical examinations showed her gestation was 25 weeks and 6 days.
The historic delivery was one of a few recorded natural quintuplet births in Kenya. However, the initial celebration turned into tragedy after the infants were transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Grandmother Reveals Transport Concerns
The tragedy deepened after Mercy Kanini’s mother, from Katangi in Machakos, telephoned comedian and activist Eric Omondi.
She shared troubling allegations about how the infants were transported between health facilities.
She stated that while the primary vehicle was equipped properly, secondary transport lacked infant protection.
Another vehicle carrying two infants and their father lacked heating.
She questioned the circumstances surrounding the sudden deaths. "Tufuatilie kifo ya hawa watoto vile walikufa juu watoto wote hawawezi wakakufa mara moja," she claimed.
She explained that three babies died shortly after being placed in machines. Her son-in-law later informed her at 3:00 am that the fourth baby had also passed away.
“The babies were 5. Four girls and a boy. Unfortunately, all the 4 girls died at KNH. My daughter has told me the baby boy is faring on well,” the grandmother explained.
Hospital authorities confirmed the loss of the four female infants.
Mercy Kanini remains hospitalised in a stable condition, though experiencing severe back pain and swollen legs.
Eric Omondi Issues Public Appeal
Following the phone conversation, Eric Omondi released an urgent public appeal to the KNH management. He asked the hospital to assist the family during the crisis.
"Whoever is in charge at KNH Please help them. The mother gave birth to 5 babies; this is very historic," Omondi posted.
"Sio kila siku mama anazaa watoto watano. It is not only historic, it is legendary," Omondi added.
"Wasaidie venye watapeleka watoto kwa mochari na wasaidie venye huyu mtoto mmoja tusimpoteze pia," Omondi concluded.
