Police have secured Makaburini Cemetery in Kericho County and launched investigations into reports of a suspected Kericho mass grave, following claims that multiple bodies were buried in a single site.
The National Police Service said in a statement dated March 22 that officers visited the scene, preserved evidence and began recording witness statements after a report was filed at Kericho Police Station.
Kericho Mass Grave Scene Secured by Police
The Kericho mass grave probe began after a member of the public alerted authorities to a suspicious burial site within the Makaburini area.
According to police, officers led by the DCIO Kericho, alongside Scenes of Crime personnel, inspected the cemetery located about 1.5 kilometres north-east of the police station. They reported finding a fresh grave at the site.
Authorities said the area has been secured to prevent interference as investigations continue.
Witness Accounts Raise Serious Allegations
Two men described as casual labourers at the cemetery told police that a vehicle arrived on March 19 and engaged a caretaker identified as Ezekiel in discussions.
They alleged that the same group returned the following day at around 6.00am in a white Land Cruiser and hired them to dig a large grave.
According to their account, about 14 bodies, all in body bags, were buried in the grave. Some of the bodies were allegedly mutilated, the witnesses claimed.
Police said these claims are under investigation and have not yet been independently verified.
Investigations and Exhumation Plans
The Kericho mass grave investigation is ongoing, with police indicating that more persons of interest are being traced and interviewed.
Authorities said they plan to seek a court order on March 23 to exhume the grave in order to establish the number of bodies and determine the cause of death.
Police are also working to locate the cemetery caretaker for questioning as part of the inquiry.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
The Kericho mass grave case has raised concerns about possible criminal activity and the handling of human remains in the area.
Officials said further details will depend on the outcome of forensic analysis and witness interviews once the exhumation process is completed.
The National Police Service has urged the public to remain calm as investigations proceed, noting that findings will be made public once verified.
The case is expected to draw national attention as authorities work to establish the facts surrounding the reported burial.
