Kericho: Police probe mass grave claim after OB report cites 14 bodies

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Police in Kericho have launched investigations into a suspected mass grave at Makaburini Cemetery, following details contained in an official Occurrence Book (OB) report.

The report, recorded at Kericho Police Station under OB No. 37/21/03/2026, indicates that officers were alerted to a fresh grave believed to contain multiple bodies, triggering an immediate response.

According to the OB entry, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and scenes of crime personnel visited the site, located about 1.5 kilometres northeast of the station, and confirmed the presence of a recently dug grave within the public cemetery.

Two grave diggers based in the area told investigators they were allegedly hired by unknown individuals to excavate the site.

The OB details that: 

• three individuals visited the cemetery on March 19, 2026, and held discussions with a caretaker identified as Ezekiel
• the group returned on March 20 at about 6am in a white Land Cruiser
• the workers were engaged to dig a large grave

The OB report states that “approximately 14 bodies, some mutilated and all in body bags, were dumped into a single grave.”

Following the report, the National Police Service confirmed that investigations are underway.

“At this preliminary stage, we are seeking to establish the veracity of the claims,” the service said in a statement.

Investigations underway

Police say the case is being handled by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Kericho, with efforts ongoing to trace the caretaker mentioned in the report for questioning.

Authorities have indicated they will seek court orders to exhume the bodies, a process expected to provide crucial forensic evidence.

What remains unclear

Investigators are yet to establish: 

• the exact number of bodies
• the condition of the remains
• the identity of the victims
• who may be responsible for the alleged burial

Police have urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as investigations continue, with more updates expected once forensic examinations are conducted.