Woman abandoned by husband, family after delivering triplets in Isiolo

By Moses Mwenda

A 38-year-old woman has been abandoned by her family at a hospital in Isiolo County after giving birth to triplets.

Elizabeth Kadogo, who hails from Kakili area of Burat Ward in Isiolo County, delivered the babies at AVI Matercare Hospital on October 8 but none of her family members has visited her since the delivery.

Her husband, 40-year-old Johniso Icharait made his way to the hospital to see his newborn baby but was shocked to learn that his wife had given birth to triplets. He is said to have left shortly later and is yet to return to the hospital.

The woman’s other relatives are yet to visit her nearly two weeks since the delivery.

In the Turkana Community traditions, where both Elizabeth and Johniso belong, giving birth to more than one child at a go is considered abnormal, and locals associate the parents with evil deeds.

The couple has three other children aged 18, 16 and 6 years. During her first delivery, Elizabeth gave birth to twins, but one of the babies died after birth.

According to Elizabeth, her husband Johniso is jobless and depends on charcoal burning to fed for his family.

The hospital Matron Emily Jebiwott said this was the first case of triplets being delivered at the facility. The woman underwent surgery to have all the three babies safely delivered.

According to the hospital management, Elizabeth does not owe them any medical fees since she had registered with the ‘Linda Mama programme’, a government initiative to help mothers deliver in healthcare facilities without making payments.