Mercy Kanini, a 28-year-old mother from Juja, Kiambu County, Kenya, had a highly anticipated delivery of quadruplets, but gave birth to five babies - four girls and a boy - on Sunday, September 13. The babies were born prematurely at 25 to 26 weeks, with birth weights ranging from 630 grammes to 800 grammes. Due to their critical condition, they were transferred from Thika Level 5 Hospital to Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi for specialist care.
Tragically, the babies' lives were cut short due to complications from their premature birth. Two baby girls died within hours of arriving at Kenyatta National Hospital. Despite Mercy's hopes, two more baby girls passed away on Tuesday, September 15, and the last baby, a boy, died on Wednesday, September 16. The hospital's efforts to save the babies were unsuccessful, leaving Mercy to cope with the devastating loss of all five children.
The emotional pain of Mercy's loss was captured in a heart-wrenching video shared by comedian Eric Omondi on Instagram on Friday, September 18. The video shows Eric walking alongside Mercy and her husband as they selected coffins for their five babies at a coffin shop. The couple's grief was palpable as they chose five small coffins, one for each child, with some featuring different designs.
Eric Omondi has since taken steps to support the grieving family. He updated Kenyans on Mercy's condition and appealed for help to cover her hospital bill. As of the latest update, Mercy had received Ksh305,000, while her hospital bill stood at Ksh228,000. Eric has also requested that Kenyatta National Hospital consider waiving Mercy's bill altogether.
The burial for the five babies has been scheduled for next Friday in Kuria, Migori County. Mercy was discharged from the hospital, and Eric Omondi has been rallying support for the family. He encouraged those who can to send donations to Mercy's phone number, 0706 871527, in her name.
The loss of her five children has left Mercy facing an unimaginable reality. Her situation has garnered sympathy from across the country, with many offering support and condolences. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and risks associated with premature births.
As Mercy prepares for the burial of her five children, she will have the support of her husband and the wider community. Comedian Eric Omondi's efforts to rally support for the family have demonstrated the power of social media in mobilizing help for those in need. The family's story serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of those coping with loss.
Key points
- A Kenyan woman, Mercy Kanini, lost her five newborn babies due to complications from premature birth.
- The babies were born at 25 to 26 weeks and weighed between 630 grammes and 800 grammes.
- A fundraiser has been set up to support Mercy, with Ksh305,000 received so far against a hospital bill of Ksh228,000.
