NAIROBI, Kenya- A chilling discovery has sent shockwaves across Kericho County after police uncovered a suspected mass grave containing multiple bodies, some mutilated, at a public cemetery in Makaburini area, Kericho.
According to a police report logged under OB No. 37/21/03/2026 at Kericho Police Station and seen by Y News, the grim find was first reported by a member of the public on Saturday afternoon.
Officers from the station, alongside detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Scenes of Crime personnel, visited the site located approximately 1.5 kilometres northeast of the police station.
There, they confirmed the existence of what appeared to be a freshly dug mass grave within the public cemetery.
Disturbing witness accounts
Investigators say crucial leads have emerged from two casual labourers who operate in the cemetery, digging graves and assisting in burials for pay.
The two men told police that on March 19, a vehicle carrying three individuals arrived at the cemetery and held a prolonged meeting with a caretaker identified only as Ezekiel.
The following morning at around 6 am, the same group allegedly returned in a white Toyota Land Cruiser and enlisted the labourers to dig a large grave.
What followed, according to the witnesses, has left investigators confronting one of the most disturbing scenes in recent memory.
The men claim approximately 14 bodies — all packed in body bags, with some visibly mutilated — were transported and dumped into the single grave before being hastily covered.
Police launch probe
Authorities have since launched investigations into the incident, treating the case as a potential mass killing.
Detectives are now working to establish the identities of the deceased, the source of the bodies, and the motive behind the clandestine burial.
Efforts are also underway to locate the cemetery caretaker, a man only identified as Ezekiel, who is believed to hold critical information that could unlock the mystery.
Police have indicated that a formal request for exhumation of the bodies will be made on March 23, a process expected to provide forensic evidence crucial to the investigation.
Growing concern
The discovery raises serious questions about possible organised criminal activity, abuse of burial procedures, and oversight failures at public cemeteries.
Residents in Makaburini and surrounding areas have expressed fear and outrage, with many demanding swift action and transparency from authorities.
As investigations intensify, police say more details will be released in due course.
The case is currently being handled by the DCI in Kericho under “pending under investigation” status.
