Six suspects in custody over Kericho mass grave as DCI probes origin of 33 bodies

Six suspects are in custody in connection with the discovery of 33 bodies buried and later exhumed from a mass grave at Kericho cemetery.

This is as investigations into the incident intensify, Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohammed Amin said.

Amin who visited the site at Kericho Makaburini, said three additional suspects had been questioned and released, but remain persons of interest as the probe continues.

Amin confirmed that preliminary investigations have established that the bodies originated from Nyamira County Referral Hospital.

He said the remains were transported in four bags using a Toyota Land Cruiser before being interred at the Kericho cemetery.

However, he noted significant inconsistencies in the records, particularly regarding the number of bodies intended for burial compared to those later exhumed.

“While hospital records indicate that the infants died in the wards, there are no corresponding entries confirming that the bodies were received at the mortuary,” Amin said.

He said DNA and toxicology samples have been submitted to the Government Chemist for forensic analysis, as authorities seek to establish the identities of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Investigators have also launched efforts to trace the parents of the infants, with plans to match DNA samples against hospital records, including those of patients who underwent medical procedures such as amputations, to aid in identification.

Forensic teams are examining hospital and mortuary documentation, court records, and other related materials to verify their authenticity and establish any possible irregularities.

Authorities are also seeking to determine the legal status of the cemetery, which is owned by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), including whether it is officially gazetted as a public burial site.

Amin commended local residents for maintaining calm as investigations continue, assuring the public that the matter is being handled with the seriousness it deserves.

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed preliminary findings pointing to possible collusion between Nyamira County health officials and the caretaker of Makaburini Public Cemetery in Kericho County in the ongoing mass grave investigations.

Murkomen termed the incident “unacceptable,” noting that those implicated have already been arrested as investigations continue.

According to the CS, authorities established that the number of bodies interred exceeded what had been authorised by a court order, raising serious legal and ethical concerns.

“What happened is unacceptable. There was a court order specifying the number of bodies to be disposed of. It was not supposed to happen in darkness,” he said.

Murkomen added that those responsible would face the full force of the law once investigations are complete, promising a comprehensive report detailing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He also commended whistleblowers who brought the matter to light, saying their actions were crucial in uncovering the irregularities.