Police Launch Investigation Into Suspected Mass Grave in Kericho County

Police Launch Investigation Into Suspected Mass Grave in Kericho County

Police in Kericho County have launched an urgent investigation following the discovery of a suspected mass grave at Makaburini Cemetery, a development that has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the burial.

In a statement released early Sunday, March 22, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that officers had moved swiftly to secure the cemetery after receiving reports that multiple bodies had been buried under suspicious conditions.

“Following the alleged discovery of a mass grave within the Makaburini Cemetery in Kericho County, and in line with our mandate, officers from the National Police Service in Kericho promptly visited and secured the scene to preserve the integrity of potential evidence,” the statement said.

Authorities indicated that the case first came to light on Saturday when two grave diggers working at the cemetery stumbled upon the unusual burial site and immediately reported their findings to Kericho Police Station. Their report triggered a rapid response from local law enforcement agencies.

According to statements recorded by investigators, the workers recounted that earlier in the week, a group of unidentified individuals had approached the cemetery caretaker and held what appeared to be a private discussion before leaving. The encounter reportedly struck the workers as unusual but did not initially raise alarm.

The following day, the same individuals allegedly returned in a vehicle and instructed the workers to excavate a large grave within the cemetery grounds. Believing the request to be part of a routine burial arrangement, the grave diggers complied without suspicion.

Concerns emerged later when, according to witnesses, several bodies were delivered to the site and interred in the single grave. The grave diggers told investigators that the bodies were transported in bags, a detail that heightened suspicions about the legality and nature of the burial.

Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that investigators have already taken statements from key witnesses and are working to identify additional persons who may have information relevant to the case.

Preliminary accounts suggest that the number of bodies buried in the grave could be as high as 14, although authorities stress that this figure has not yet been independently verified.

Despite the disturbing nature of the allegations, the NPS emphasized that the investigation remains in its early stages and cautioned the public against speculation.

“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 service said.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have since visited the cemetery and begun preliminary assessments of the site. Officials indicated that authorities may seek a court order to exhume the remains if necessary to determine the number of bodies involved, establish identities, and ascertain causes of death.

Security personnel continue to guard the area as forensic teams prepare for the next phase of the investigation. Local residents have expressed anxiety over the discovery, with many calling for swift action to uncover the truth.

Police have appealed to members of the public with any information that could assist the investigation to come forward and report to the nearest police station or use toll-free lines to contact authorities.

The case is expected to draw national attention as investigators work to determine whether the burial was linked to criminal activity or other unlawful conduct.

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Police Launch Investigation Into Suspected Mass Grave in Kericho County