They lost two babies, but now have four girls

Ezekiel Karuri and his wife Teresia Mwangi at Naivasha sub-county hospital. [Anthony Gitonga]

For Ezekiel Ndegwa and his wife Teresia Wanjira, losing two minors in a span of two years often evoked painful memories.

Tears of pain, prayers and counseling became the order for the couple in their late 20's as they sought answers to tens of their questions.

Their prayers have now been answered after they were blessed with four girls two years as they marked the loss of their two other children.

According to Ndegwa, this was the best gift ever for the family that was trying to come to terms with the loss of their children in such a short span.

He said that his son and daughter died at a tender age due to health complications, something that left them broken. 

The two died in 2017 and 2018, and their deaths were attributed to a rhesus disease.

The loss, according to the couple was unbearable. “Our family, friends and church stood by us at a very difficult period, and we shall remain grateful forever,” he said.

Karuri, who works in the Jua Kali sector as an electrician admitted that the new journey ahead would be hard, but was quick to add that they were ready for the challenge.

Wanjira said she was yet to come to terms with the birth of the girls after the earlier experience.

Wanjira tears flowing down her cheeks said that she had to take a second scan after she was informed that she had four babies.

“It has been a tough time for our family after losing our young babies but the Lord has repaid us in double and the process of raising them now starts,” she said.

Uphill task

Wanjira, who is a housewife said it would be an uphill task to bring up the quadruplets and appealed for help from well-wishers.

The superintendent in charge of the hospital, Dr Angeline Ithondeka said that the four minors were in great health apart from one who was under oxygen supply.

She termed the delivery as an exercise that needed proper planning, adding that they had been monitoring the mother for months before the caesarean operation.

“We have been recording around 25 births in this facility every day and this one stands out; it is the first time we have recorded quadruplets, which is also a blessing,” she said.

The doctor admitted that it would be an uphill task for the mother to breastfeed her babies, but was quick to add that they would continue to monitor her and her brood.

Bishop Joseph Wambugu from Bread of New Life Ministries said that they stood with the couple when they lost their two children.

He said the births were a blessing after a hard time, and that couples with similar challenges should not give up.

“The Lord has paid them in double after their losses, and we pray that these beautiful girls will make it this time round,” said Bishop Wambugu.