A suspected mass grave discovered in Kericho County took a new twist after police detained a cemetery caretaker who is now at the center of investigations into the mysterious burial of multiple bodies.
Authorities in Kericho East Sub-County confirmed that the caretaker, initially identified as Ezekiel, was traced to the Makaburini area late Saturday night.
Upon interrogation, he revealed his true identity as Richard Towett and claimed to be an employee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya, which owns the cemetery where the bodies were allegedly buried.
Police said a search at his residence led to the recovery of a photocopy of a purported court order said to have originated from a court in Nyamira County.
The document reportedly authorized the burial of seven unclaimed bodies from a hospital in Nyamira.
However, investigators noted glaring inconsistencies, including the absence of a court file number and contradictions over the number of bodies involved.
Earlier reports indicated that up to 12 bodies may have been interred at the site, raising concerns over possible illegal burials and the handling of unclaimed bodies across county lines.
“The suspect is currently in custody assisting with investigations as we verify the authenticity of the court order and liaise with officials from Nyamira County Referral Hospital,” police said.
Investigators are also probing why no officials from Kericho County were involved in the process, despite the burials taking place within its jurisdiction.
Police said the incident was first brought to the attention of authorities by a member of the public on Saturday March 21, 2026.
Preliminary findings indicate the presence of a freshly dug grave within the cemetery.
Two witnesses—casual labourers who reportedly earn a living by digging graves and conducting burials—told investigators that they were hired by unknown individuals to prepare a large grave.
The two claimed that on March 20 at about 6:00 a.m., three individuals arrived in a white Land Cruiser and oversaw the disposal of approximately 14 bodies into the grave.
The witnesses further alleged that all the bodies were sealed in body bags, with some showing signs of mutilation.
The same individuals are said to have visited the cemetery a day earlier, where they held discussions with a caretaker identified as Ezekiel, who is now being sought by police for questioning.
Authorities have since secured the scene and indicated that formal exhumation of the bodies will be sought beginning March 23 as part of ongoing investigations.
A team was sent from Nairobi DCI headquarters to join those on the ground in pursuing the matter.
They will however have to wait until Monday March 23 apply and get an exhumation order for the commencement of further probe.
A crowd gathered outside the site as news of the discovery spread out.
Police spokesman Michael Muchiri said following the alleged discovery of a mass grave within the Makaburini Cemetery in Kericho County, police visited and secured the scene to preserve the integrity of potential evidence.
“At this preliminary stage, we are seeking to establish the veracity of the claims. Some witnesses have since recorded statements, and efforts are underway to locate and interview more persons of interest in this matter.”
“The National Police Service assures the public that this matter is being handled with the utmost seriousness and will be conducted professionally and transparently to ascertain the facts surrounding this incident,” he said.
He appealed to members of the public to remain calm as investigations are ongoing. Any person with information that may assist this investigation is requested to report to the nearest police station or law enforcement officer, or to share it via our toll-free numbers: 999, 911, 112, or anonymously via our #FichuakwaDCI on 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000.
Police say efforts to identify the deceased, establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, and trace all persons involved are underway.
Such findings are not uncommon as some bodies have in the past been found in dump sites, forests and rivers.
The matters remain under probe.
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