In brief
In the western Kenyan town of Kericho, authorities have unearthed about 32 bodies from a mass grave, primarily consisting of children and infants. The discovery has prompted a thorough investigative response, with forensic teams examining the unusual circumstances of the burial, and a post-mortem examination set to begin shortly. The situation raises pressing questions about the origin of the bodies and highlights potential irregularities in burial practices in the area. Reports are emerging of connections to a neighboring hospital, with officials already arrested.
About 32 bodies, mostly children, have been dug up from a mass grave in the western Kenyan town of Kericho as investigations continue into the shocking discovery.
The exhumation was done after the police obtained a court order to retrieve 14 bodies that were initially believed to have been buried at the site.
Government pathologist Richard Njoroge told journalists that what they found was quite unusual with bodies stacked in gunny bags after a day-long process, interrupted by heavy rains.
A post-mortem examination is expected to begin soon, amid calls to promptly identify the bodies and investigate the circumstances of their deaths. Initial reports indicate that there were seven adults and 25 children, with many being infants and foetuses.
Some remains appeared to have originated from hospitals and mortuaries, although this will require further investigation.
The pathologist noted that adult remains were highly decomposed, while those of children were less so, indicating varied times of death. Homicide detectives and forensic teams worked under tight security at the site while local residents looked on, visibly distressed.
This exhumation was prompted by a tip-off from a whistleblower, leading to police investigations. It emerged that unclaimed bodies had been officially released from a hospital in neighboring Nyamira county and transported for burial last Friday.
Many questions remain about the additional bodies and burial practices at a site belonging to the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), which denies any connection to the unauthorized burials.
The DCI is investigating whether there is any criminal activity linked to these events, with two suspects already arrested.
Human rights group Vocal Africa described the discovery as a "staggering and horrific escalation," emphasizing the need for an immediate and transparent investigation.
The discovery follows a similar incident where hundreds of bodies were found in a forest related to cult activities, underscoring a gruesome trend that demands urgent national attention.
