Kericho mass grave probe deepens as DCI questions 13 bodies transfer

The Director of Criminal Investigations has shifted focus to the transfer of 13 unclaimed bodies from Nyamira County as investigations intensify into a suspected mass grave discovered at a cemetery in Kericho East Sub-County.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), through its Homicide Directorate, has taken over the probe and is now pursuing leads surrounding the movement and burial of the bodies, amid concerns over possible procedural and legal irregularities.

According to preliminary findings, the 13 bodies were released from a county referral hospital and transported to Kericho for burial on the morning of March 20.

DCI said investigators have since traveled to Nyamira, where they have begun questioning individuals involved in the process, including public health officers, drivers, escorts, and the cemetery caretaker.

At least five witnesses have already recorded statements, with more expected as detectives seek to piece together the sequence of events leading to the burial.

The DCI are particularly examining discrepancies in documentation after a photocopied court order, reportedly from a court in Nyamira, was recovered from the cemetery caretaker’s residence.

The order allegedly authorised the burial of seven unclaimed bodies, raising questions over the additional bodies buried at the site. The original documents are set to undergo verification.

Meanwhile, a white Land Cruiser believed to have transported the bodies has been impounded and is undergoing forensic examination as part of the investigation.

The cemetery remains sealed off and under round-the-clock police guard as preparations are made to seek court approval for exhumation.

The process is expected to allow forensic experts to establish the identities of the deceased and determine the cause and manner of death.

The DCI said the investigation will also assess whether any criminal activity occurred beyond the apparent irregularities in the handling and burial process.

Officials have confirmed that the cemetery is owned by the religious council, with its Kericho branch cooperating with investigators.

While early indications suggest the bodies were unclaimed and transferred from another county, detectives say all aspects of the case remain under scrutiny, including the chain of custody, authenticity of documentation, and any signs of foul play.

Kenyans have been urged to remain calm and report any information that could assist in the investigations as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case.