The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has postponed DNA tests it was to conduct on suspected twins Sharon Mathias and Melon Lutenyo as well as Mevis Imbaya who has been raised as Melon’s sibling.
The tests were initially penciled in for 11am Friday, April 19 at the KEMRI laboratory in Mbagathi, Nairobi.
And now, KEMRI, through its communications officer, Wodera James, says the DNA tests will be carried out on a later yet-to-be-announced date after the suspected twins would have undergone counseling.
Mr Wodera said it would be inappropriate to subject the 19-year-old girls and their parents to such a test without mental preparation, saying the results might have significant impact on their well-being.
A Nairobi counseling agency on Friday offered to give free counseling services to the parties before the tests.
Melon and Mathias, who are both in Form Four, were born in August, 1999 at the Kakamega County Referral Hospital to different mothers.
Whereas Melon stays in Kakamega, Sharon lives with her mother in Kangemi, Nairobi.
The suspected twins, who look extremely alike, arranged for a meeting early 2019; and ever since, have been inseparable, even going ahead to request for DNA tests to resolve the puzzle.