Following the plight of two identical girls who met after 19 years went viral, Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri),has expressed willingness to fund the DNA testing process.
“This is a matter of public interest, and to bring it to closure for the interested parties Kemri will be willing to offer DNA services if requested,” Prof Sam Kariuki, Research and Development director, told the Nation last evening.
Two identical girls suspect they were separated at birth in 1999 will soon find out if they are indeed related.
Sharon Mathias and Melon Lutenyo, who reunited on Tuesday last week in Furfural village, Likuyani, Kakamega County, made an emotional plea for a DNA test. Their prayers seem to have finally been answered.
Both girls are KCSE candidates. Sharon studies at Shikoti Girls High School while Melon is at Kongoni Secondary School. Both schools are in Kakamega County.
They said they would like the matter to be cleared as soon as possible so that they can focus on preparing for their national exams at the end of the year.
“We are appealing to any well-wisher out there who is willing to fund us to do so before we open school for the second term. We want to be at peace after knowing our identities,” said Sharon.
She also appealed to professional counsellors to come out and help them cope up with the new development in their lives.
“It is also our wish that before and after the DNA, we will get professional counsellors to help us cope with the outcome,” she added.
According to Melon, the unfolding events have put both of them in a strange situation, although they are happy to know each other.