What began as a remarkable moment for 28-year-old Mercy Kanini and her family has turned into tragedy after four of her five newborn babies died at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Kanini, from Juja in Kiambu County, had attracted attention after delivering quintuplets through normal delivery at Thika Level Five Hospital in a rare birth that saw four girls and one boy born within minutes of each other.
The babies were later transferred to KNH for specialised neonatal care because they were born extremely prematurely and had very low birth weights. Four of the newborns have since died, leaving one baby under specialised care at KNH.
Kanini Gives Birth to Five Babies
Kanini went into labour in the early hours of September 13, 2026, and was admitted to the labour ward at Thika Level Five Hospital at about 7am. According to Kiambu County health officials, her pregnancy had been estimated at 25 weeks and six days. Three obstetric scans had identified a multiple pregnancy, although reports indicate that the family had initially been expecting four babies.
The delivery began at about 10:45am, with the first baby, a boy, followed by four girls. The fifth and final baby was delivered at approximately 10:56am. All five babies were delivered through normal vaginal delivery, while Kanini remained stable after giving birth. The delivery was particularly unusual because quintuplet pregnancies are rare and carrying five babies to such an early stage presents significant risks for both the mother and newborns.
Babies Born Extremely Premature
The newborns were born at around six months of pregnancy, significantly earlier than a full-term pregnancy. Their reported weights ranged from about 600 to 800 grammes, with individual reports giving weights including 630g, 660g, 715g, 720g and 800g. Their extreme prematurity and very low birth weights meant that the babies required intensive neonatal support.
Medical experts have explained that babies born around 26 weeks can face major challenges involving breathing, feeding and maintaining their body temperature because their bodies are still developing. The risk of infections and other complications is also higher among extremely premature newborns.
Why the Babies Were Transferred to KNH
Following the delivery, medical teams at Thika Level Five Hospital stabilised the babies before arranging their transfer to Kenyatta National Hospital. The newborns were transferred later on September 13, accompanied by their parents, so they could access specialised neonatal intensive care. A healthcare official explained that the babies’ extremely low weights meant they required a higher level of specialised newborn care.
The transfer was therefore necessitated by the medical needs associated with their extreme prematurity rather than the manner in which they were delivered.
Four Babies Die at KNH
Despite receiving specialised care at KNH, four of the five babies have since died. Reports indicate that the four who died were the girls, while the boy remains alive and continues receiving specialised medical attention at the hospital. The deaths came shortly after the family had celebrated what initially appeared to be an extraordinary medical outcome. The loss has transformed the family’s joy following the rare birth into grief as relatives come to terms with the deaths of four newborns.
Kanini’s Reaction After the Delivery
Speaking shortly after giving birth, Kanini described the experience positively and praised the medical team at Thika Level Five Hospital for the care she received. She said she initially understood that doctors were preparing to perform a Caesarean section after the first baby was born. However, after further assessment, the medical team determined that she could continue delivering the remaining babies normally. Kanini said she was happy after learning that she had delivered all five babies and expressed appreciation for the doctors and nurses who attended to her.
Her Third Pregnancy
The quintuplets were Kanini’s third pregnancy. She had previously given birth to two children, a boy and a girl. Her husband, Evans Nyamhanga, said the family had initially expected four babies but were surprised when the fifth baby was delivered. Following the birth, the family appealed for financial assistance to help meet the significant demands associated with caring for five premature newborns.
What Happens Next
One of Kanini’s five babies remains at Kenyatta National Hospital under specialised care. The case has also highlighted the challenges faced by extremely premature newborns, particularly those weighing less than one kilogramme. Such babies require specialised neonatal services and continuous monitoring because their organs are not yet fully developed. For Kanini and her family, the rare birth that initially brought celebration has now become a period of mourning, while attention remains focused on the surviving newborn receiving care at KNH.
