Dozens of Bodies, Mostly Infants, Found in Mass Grave in Kenya

Authorities in Kenya have uncovered at least 32 bodies—most of them infants—in a mass grave in Kericho, in a discovery that has shocked the nation and prompted urgent investigations.

The exhumation followed a court order initially authorising the retrieval of 14 bodies, but investigators uncovered far more during the process. Government pathologist Richard Njoroge described the findings as “quite unusual,” noting that many of the bodies were “stacked in gunny bags.” Recovery efforts were hampered by heavy rainfall during the day-long operation.

Preliminary assessments indicate the remains include seven adults and 25 children, with many of the younger victims identified as infants and foetuses. Additional body parts were also recovered. Authorities say the varying levels of decomposition suggest the deaths occurred at different times.

A post-mortem examination is set to begin as officials seek to establish the identities of the victims and determine the causes of death. Njoroge noted that some remains may have originated from hospitals or mortuaries, though this has yet to be confirmed through forensic analysis.

The operation, led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), involved homicide detectives and forensic teams working under tight security. The site was sealed off as residents gathered nearby, many visibly distressed as bodies were retrieved and documented.

Investigations were launched after a whistleblower tipped off authorities. Earlier findings from the DCI suggested that 13 unclaimed bodies had been legally released from a hospital in Nyamira County and transported to Kericho for burial. However, the discovery of additional remains has raised serious questions about the legality and circumstances surrounding the burials.

The land where the bodies were found belongs to the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), which has denied any involvement, stating the burials were conducted without its knowledge or approval.

At least two individuals—a public health officer from Nyamira and a cemetery caretaker—have reportedly been arrested, while others are being questioned as part of the ongoing probe.

Human rights group Vocal Africa described the discovery as a “staggering and horrific escalation,” citing reports of mutilation and dismemberment among the remains and calling for immediate transparency and accountability.

Calls for swift identification of the victims have also been echoed by Law Society of Kenya, whose outgoing president Faith Odhiambo stressed the urgency of uncovering the truth.

The incident has drawn comparisons to the 2023 tragedy in Shakahola Forest near Malindi, where more than 400 bodies were discovered in a cult-related mass death case involving preacher Paul Mackenzie, who is accused of directing followers to starve themselves—allegations he denies.