A Kiambu family that had just shared the extraordinary joy of welcoming quintuplets is now mourning the loss of four of those babies, after the infants died on September 15, 2026.
Mercy Kanini and her husband Evans had publicly celebrated the arrival of their five newborns, appealing to well-wishers for support in raising the children.
The couple’s happiness was visible and contagious online, with many Kenyans sharing in their excitement, but nobody anticipated how quickly that joy would turn to grief.
What happened to Mercy Kanini’s quintuplets?
Kanini delivered the five babies through normal delivery at Thika Level Five Hospital, a remarkable feat given the number of infants she was carrying.
Because the babies were born preterm, the family was transferred to Kenyatta National Referral Hospital in Nairobi, where the infants could receive the specialised medical attention they needed.
The family had been reaching out for financial assistance to give the babies a good life before tragedy struck. On September 15, four of the five quintuplets died, leaving the family to grieve while still fighting to keep the one surviving baby alive.
Kenyans Pray for the Surviving Baby
News of the deaths swept across social media, drawing an outpouring of condolences and prayers from Kenyans who had followed the family’s story.
Many urged the community to continue supporting Kanini and Evans, particularly in hoping and praying that their one remaining child pulls through.
Wavinya Kithokoi wrote:
“May the remaining one survive in Jesus name. Wamatangi is aware of this, the county government of Kiambu will stand with the family.”
Betty Patrick expressed her sympathy simply:
“Hiyo uchungu yote, sorry Mercy, may lord strengthen her.”
Petronila Kyanui reflected on how quickly the mood had shifted:
“What and the way we were happy yesterday for those news devil is a liar may their soul’s rest in peace and perpetual light shine on their way. Oh Lord may the baby who’s a life survive in Jesus name may you cover the baby with your precious blood may you grant the baby with peace and good health.”
Margaret Kitur voiced the confusion many felt, writing:
“Pole…I thought the facility earlier stated they were in stable condition.”
Pastor Becky Gitau added:
“Hii nayo imeniuma sana pole sana dada yetu wishing you quick recovery.”
As the family continues to navigate unimaginable loss, prayers remain centred on the one surviving quintuplet, with Kenyans holding onto hope that at least one life will make it through.
