KERICHO, Kenya — A shocking exhumation exercise in Kericho has uncovered 33 bodies at a suspected mass grave, far exceeding earlier reports that indicated about 14 graves at the site.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) began the operation amid growing concern over the discovery, which has since revealed a disturbing number of underage victims.
Preliminary findings show that 25 of the recovered bodies are minors, while eight are adults, raising urgent questions about the circumstances surrounding their deaths and subsequent burial.
The exercise is being supervised by Director of Homicide Martin Nyuguto, alongside government pathologists representing Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor.
Officials at the scene said forensic examinations are underway to establish the causes of death, with pathologists analysing the remains as they are exhumed.
The National Police Service (NPS) had earlier confirmed the launch of investigations following the discovery of suspected mass graves at the cemetery on Sunday, March 22.
Initial reports suggest the bodies may have been transferred from Nyamira District Referral Hospital after remaining unclaimed at the morgue, though authorities have yet to confirm the full circumstances or legality of the burials.
The revelations have sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents expressing alarm at the scale of the discovery and demanding answers from authorities.
Legal and human rights experts note that the handling and disposal of unclaimed bodies is governed by public health laws and must adhere to strict procedures, including documentation, identification efforts, and proper record-keeping.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with further updates expected as forensic analysis and identification efforts continue.
