Separated at Birth: Kakamega Women to Sue Hospital Over 1999 Newborn Mix-Up

In 2019, Kenya was captivated by the story of two young women, Sharon Mathias and Melon Lutenyo, who discovered through DNA tests that they were identical twins separated at birth. 

Now, nearly two decades after the hospital error that changed their lives, the women along with Mevis Imbaya, also affected by the mix-up, are preparing to sue Kakamega County Referral Hospital for negligence. Nearly 20 years ago, a hospital mix-up led to Sharon and Melon being raised by different families, unaware of their true connection. 

Sharon grew up in Nairobi with Angelina Omina, while Melon was raised in Kakamega by Rosemary Khaveleli, alongside Mevis, who was believed to be her fraternal twin. DNA tests later revealed that Mevis is biologically the daughter of Angelina, making all three women victims of a life-altering error at birth. 

Initially embraced as a heartwarming reunion of “triplets,” their story drew public sympathy and promises of support, including scholarships and opportunities to study abroad. But the optimism quickly faded. The women now allege that officials linked to the county government discouraged them from seeking legal action in 2019, promising financial and educational assistance in exchange for their silence — promises that were never fulfilled.

Sharon, now a journalism student, says they were told to forgive the hospital and trust that support would come, but it never did. The emotional toll has been just as heavy. Melon, now married and living in Eldoret, often helps bridge the emotional gaps between Sharon and Mevis. 

Mevis, unable to adjust to life in Nairobi, returned to Kakamega where she runs a small business and cares for Rosemary, who now suffers from high blood pressure.