33 bodies exhumed at a mass grave in Kericho cemetery

A multi-agency team has exhumed 33 bodies from a suspected mass grave at Makaburini Cemetery in Kericho County, in a shocking development that has raised questions over the circumstances surrounding the burials.

Government pathologist Dr Richard Njoroge confirmed that 25 of the bodies are children while eight are adults. The exhumation followed a court order obtained by homicide detectives after the discovery of the secret grave.

Authorities had earlier indicated that 14 bodies were buried at the site last Friday, but the latest findings significantly revised the number upwards.

The exercise, carried out under the supervision of Director of Homicide Martin Nyuguto and a government pathologist representing Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor, turned the cemetery into an active crime scene.

Homicide detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), who had been camping at the site, conducted the day-long exhumation exercise amid heavy rains, concluding the operation at around 6pm.

With the exhumation now complete, attention has shifted to post-mortem examinations expected to begin on Wednesday to establish the cause of death.

Officials from the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) and activists were present during the exercise, calling for a thorough and transparent investigation.

“Lazima ukweli uweze kujulikana hawa ni kina nani waliozikwa hapa, walizikwa hapa kwa sababu gani na hawa wenyewe walikufa vipi,” said Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of Vocal Africa.

“We need government to move with speed so that these cases of mysterious deaths or unclaimed bodies can be handled in a professional way,” added Tony Were.

Activists are now pushing for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to conduct parallel investigations to ensure accountability if foul play is established.

Local leaders also demanded answers from both levels of government.

“The county and national government watuambie hawa wamezikwa hapa ni kina nani na nani aliwaleta na ni kwa nini hakujakuwa na proper communication,” said Allan Kiombe of Jesus Centre Church, Kericho.

Preliminary reports indicated that Nyamira Teaching and Referral Hospital had received a court order to dispose of 13 unclaimed bodies at a public cemetery within Kericho County.

However, with the discovery of 33 bodies, questions remain over the additional 20 bodies, the manner in which they were buried and the lack of public involvement.

Two suspects, David Araka Makori, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, and Richard Towet, are in police custody following their arrest by detectives.

On Monday, a court granted police 30 days to detain them as investigations continue.