A woman from Kisii County has given birth to quadruplets and has chosen to name the newborns after prominent Kenyan political figures Raila Odinga and his wife Ida Odinga.
According to the family, the mother—identified as Vane Nyanchoka—said the names were a gesture of admiration and respect. Both mother and babies are reported to be in good condition following the delivery, which took place at a local hospital.
Family and community members expressed joy at the rare birth. Health officials noted that delivering quadruplets naturally is uncommon and requires specialized care to monitor both the mother and infants during and after birth.
The family says they are grateful for the medical team’s support and are appealing for assistance to help care for the four babies as they begin their new journey.A woman from Kisii County has delivered quadruplets, a rare birth that has sparked excitement in her community and drawn widespread attention on social media. The mother, Vane Nyanchoka, gave birth to the babies at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, where doctors successfully managed the high-risk delivery.
Nyanchoka said she chose to name the children after prominent Kenyan leaders—Raila Odinga and his wife Ida Odinga—as a gesture of admiration and respect for their influence on Kenya’s political and social landscape. According to her, the names symbolize hope, resilience, and leadership.
“I have always respected the Odinga family,” Nyanchoka said from her hospital bed.
“I wanted my children to carry names that represent strength.”
Rare and delicate delivery
Quadruplet births are uncommon, occurring in approximately one in every 700,000 pregnancies worldwide, according to medical data. The hospital’s lead obstetrician, Dr. Carol Atieno, noted that the birth required enhanced monitoring and coordination from multiple specialists, including neonatologists and nurses.
“Multiple pregnancies are complex and high-risk,” Dr. Atieno said.
“We are pleased that both the mother and the babies are currently stable.”
The babies are being kept in the neonatal unit for monitoring, as is standard procedure due to their lower birth weight.
Community joy — and challenges ahead
Word of the birth quickly spread through the village, drawing curious neighbors and family members to the hospital. Some described the event as “a blessing to the entire community.” Others have already begun contributing diapers and clothes.
However, Nyanchoka acknowledges that caring for four babies at once will bring challenges.
“I am happy, but I am also anxious,” she admitted.
“I will need support to raise them.”
The family has appealed to well-wishers, local leaders, and organizations for assistance with baby supplies, formula, and medical follow-up costs.
Symbolism behind the names
Naming children after political leaders is not uncommon in Kenya, where politics plays a significant cultural role. For Nyanchoka, the names carry personal meaning—hope for a strong future for her children.
“The names are my prayer,” she said.
“That they may grow to be influential in their own way.”
The hospital has confirmed that the babies—three girls and one boy—are in stable condition and responding well to care.
Looking ahead
As Nyanchoka prepares to leave the hospital, the reality of raising quadruplets is beginning to sink in.
Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic.
“God gave them to me,” she said softly, smiling at the incubators.
“He will provide.”