Six arrested over Kericho mass grave as DCI probes origin of 33 bodies

Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohammed Amin, who visited the site at Kericho Makaburini, said three additional suspects had been questioned and released, but remain persons of interest as inquiries continue.

Amin confirmed that preliminary investigations have established that the bodies originated from Nyamira County Referral Hospital. According to investigators, the remains were transported in four bags using a Toyota Land Cruiser before being interred at the Kericho cemetery.

However, he noted significant inconsistencies in the records, particularly regarding the number of bodies intended for burial compared to those later exhumed.

“While hospital records indicate that the infants died in the wards, there are no corresponding entries confirming that the bodies were received at the mortuary,” Amin said.

The DCI boss added that DNA and toxicology samples have been submitted to the Government Chemist for forensic analysis, as authorities seek to establish the identities of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Investigators have also launched efforts to trace the parents of the infants, with plans to match DNA samples against hospital records, including those of patients who underwent medical procedures such as amputations, to aid in identification.

In addition, forensic teams are examining hospital and mortuary documentation, court records, and other related materials to verify their authenticity and establish any possible irregularities.

Authorities are also seeking to determine the legal status of the cemetery, which is owned by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), including whether it is officially gazetted as a public burial site.

Amin commended local residents for maintaining calm as investigations continue, assuring the public that the matter is being handled with the seriousness it deserves.