Mass grave discovered in Kericho Cemetery as police launch investigations

Mass grave discovered in Kericho Cemetery as police launch investigations

Police in Kericho County launched investigations following the discovery of a suspected mass grave containing multiple bodies, some reportedly mutilated, at a public cemetery in the Makaburini area.

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.

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. Most of the victims were killed by state agencies.

The matters remain under probe.