33 Bodies Found in Kericho Mass Grave

Authorities in Kericho have exhumed 33 bodies from a suspected mass grave, far exceeding initial reports of 14.

The operation, conducted on 23 March under the supervision of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), was led by Director of Homicide Martin Nyuguto alongside a government pathologist representing Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor. Forensic experts examined the remains to establish possible causes of death.

Preliminary findings indicate that 25 of the bodies were minors, while eight were adults. Many of the deceased are believed to have been teenagers and young children. The discovery has alarmed residents, who had expected a smaller number of graves. Community members are seeking clarification on how the burials occurred unnoticed.

The National Police Service confirmed on 22 March that investigations had been launched following reports of suspected mass graves at the cemetery. Early accounts suggest that the bodies may have been transferred from Nyamira District Referral Hospital after remaining unclaimed in the morgue.

While investigators have not yet confirmed foul play, two individuals, a public health officer from Nyamira Hospital and the cemetery caretaker, have been detained for 30 days to assist with the inquiry. The case came to light on 21 March when grave diggers reported unusual activity at the cemetery.

They said a group of unidentified individuals met with the caretaker earlier in the week in what they described as a suspicious meeting. Their discovery of multiple graves prompted them to alert Kericho Police Station, triggering the current investigation.