Authorities in Kenya have uncovered at least 32 bodies—most of them infants and foetuses—from a mass grave in the western town of Kericho, in a discovery that has shocked the country and prompted a major investigation.
Police initially secured a court order to exhume 14 bodies believed to be buried at the site, but the number rose significantly during the excavation process.
Government pathologist Richard Njoroge described the findings as “highly unusual,” noting that the remains were found “stacked in gunny bags” during a day-long operation that was briefly halted by heavy rainfall.
Officials confirmed that the remains included seven adults and 25 children, many of them infants or unborn. Additional body parts were also recovered, raising further concerns about how the victims were handled prior to burial.
Post-mortem examinations are expected to begin on Wednesday, as authorities work to identify the victims and determine the cause and timing of their deaths.
Njoroge said preliminary observations suggest the bodies were buried at different times, with adult remains showing more advanced decomposition than those of the children.
Investigators, including homicide detectives and forensic teams in protective gear, worked under tight security as crowds gathered nearby, many visibly distressed by the discovery.
The investigation was triggered by a whistleblower tip-off. Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said early findings indicate that 13 unclaimed bodies had been officially released from a hospital in neighbouring Nyamira County and transported to Kericho for burial last week.
However, authorities are now trying to account for the additional bodies and clarify why they were buried together under unclear circumstances.
The burial site is reportedly owned by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), which has denied any involvement, stating the burial took place without its knowledge or approval.
Police have arrested two suspects—a public health officer from Nyamira and a cemetery caretaker—while additional individuals are being questioned.
Rights groups have condemned the discovery. Vocal Africa described it as a “staggering and horrific escalation,” calling for a transparent investigation and national accountability.
Legal figures have also urged swift action to identify the victims. Faith Odhiambo, outgoing president of the Law Society of Kenya, said the identification process must be prioritised.
The case has drawn comparisons to one of Kenya’s deadliest incidents in recent years, when more than 400 bodies were discovered in 2023 in a forest near Malindi, linked to a doomsday cult.
Authorities say investigations into the Kericho mass grave are ongoing.