Shock as 33 bodies exhumed in Kericho
By Robert Siele | KERICHO,
A total of 33 bodies – comprising eight adults and 25 children, including infants – were recovered today during an exhumation at a mass grave in Makaburini Cemetery, Kericho.
Government pathologist Richard Njoroge, who oversaw the exercise that commenced at 10 a.m., revealed that the bodies had been placed in gunny bags, an unusual finding.
Six additional body parts—four legs and two hands—were also recovered and will be subjected to further analysis. He explained that the adult remains were in an advanced state of decomposition, indicating the deaths may have occurred at different times, while the infants’ bodies were moderately decomposed.
All recovered remains were moved to Kericho County Referral Hospital.
The exhumation followed a tip-off from a whistleblower who informed police about a suspected mass grave at Makaburini Cemetery in Kericho town, alleging that around 14 bodies had been buried there.
Two individuals believed to be connected to the burials were arrested, presented in court yesterday, and a 30-day custodial order was granted to allow for ongoing investigations.
Dr. Njoroge further indicated that the bodies could have originated from hospitals or mortuaries, adding that postmortem examinations will be conducted before a comprehensive report is handed over to the police.
