In a shocking discovery that has rattled Kenya, authorities on Tuesday have dug up at least 32 bodies - mostly children - from a mass grave in Kericho, sparking serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding the burial.
The discovery was unearthed after the authorities received a tip that 14 bodies had been buried in a cemetery in the area by unidentified people, Kenyan media reported.
The exhumation was conducted following a court order, but investigators encountered a far more disturbing situation when the number of bodies recovered rose to more than twice the initial estimate.
The day-long exercise, hampered by heavy rains, uncovered remains of seven adults and 25 children, including infants and foetuses.
Authorities also recovered dismembered body parts, deepening concerns about possible foul play. A Government pathologist Richard Njoroge described the findings as “quite unusual,” revealing that several bodies were discovered stacked inside gunny bags.
Initial findings indicate the bodies were interred at different times, with the adult remains in a more advanced state of decomposition than those of the children.
Njoroge said some of the remains could have come from hospitals or mortuaries, a claim that is expected to be verified through post-mortem examinations beginning Wednesday.
Earlier, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said 13 unclaimed bodies had been lawfully released from a hospital in Nyamira County and taken to Kericho for burial.
However, the recovery of additional bodies has raised serious concerns over whether due procedures were followed and if any criminality was involved.
The officials associated with the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) said the burial was carried out without their knowledge or consent, pointing to possible violations of established norms.
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Following the incident, Police have arrested two suspects, a public health officer from Nyamira and a cemetery caretaker. while many more are being questioned.
Investigators are now intensifying efforts to uncover whether the case points to broader criminal activity beyond burial irregularities.
The incident has been compared to the 2023 Shakahola forest tragedy near Malindi, where more than 400 bodies linked to a cult were discovered. The case involved self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie, who was accused of orchestrating mass starvation deaths.
A human rights group based in Africa, Vocal Africa described the discovery as a “staggering and horrific escalation,” pointing to reports of mutilation and dismemberment. The group has called for a transparent investigation and swift identification of the victims.
Faith Odhiambo, outgoing president of the Law Society of Kenya, stressed for identifying the deceased immediately and ensuring accountability.
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