Kayole family insists missing twin was stolen in hospital after birth, wants DNA test conducted

The family of a woman in Nairobi's Kayole area who delivered twins but tragically lost one under unclear circumstances maintains that the twin did not pass away during birth at Kayole II Level 4 Hospital, instead, they believe the baby was stolen.

The family of Vane Nyaega has pledged to conduct a DNA test to ascertain the truth before pursuing legal action against the hospital.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Council (KMPDC), responsible for regulating medical practice, has initiated an investigation into the hospital's conduct.

Organisations advocating for the rights of expectant and lactating mothers have also come out and accused the hospital of violating the rights of first-time mothers.

The alleged mysterious disappearance of one of the twins has also drawn the attention of various medical bodies, the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS), the National Nursing Council of Kenya, and organizations championing the rights of expectant and lactating mothers.

The entities converged on Friday as part of a broader investigation aimed at determining what transpired when the first-time mother visited the facility to deliver over a week ago.

“We will need the DNA, and the patient to give us consent to allow us to investigate the conduct of the hospital,” KMPDC member Dr Rose Kosgei said.

Leaders including Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba said: “Nimeingia kwa labour ward for sure that the rights of this mother were violated… there were errors of commission and omission committed.”

The family of Vane, who underwent a Caesarean Section, maintains that the hospital denied the mother the opportunity to see the other twin baby and allegedly swapped it with a deceased infant. 

“Mtoto tuko na uhakika ako ni kupotea alipotea na akafichwa,” Josephine Kerubo, Vane’s sister, said.

“We are going to have two types of investigations...one by the DCI and one by the KMPDC….kujua ni nani alikuwa na makosa,” Wamuchomba added.

A DNA test and a post-mortem examination on the infant have been scheduled for Tuesday next week after the family selects a doctor to lead the procedure.

“Kwa sababu mama ako na tashwishi na madakatri ambao wako hapo mimi nitamtafuta daktari wangu amshughulikie hadi wakati atakapoenda nyumbani,” KOGS President Dr. Kireki Omanwa noted.