Mystery deepens: How did so many bodies end up in one cemetery in Kericho?

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New findings from an ongoing exhumation at Makaburini Cemetery in Kericho County have raised fresh questions after detectives uncovered 33 bodies — far more than the 14 previously reported.

According to early information from the investigation, the remains include 25 minors and eight adults.

The exhumation, authorised by a court order and conducted by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), was initially expected to involve 14 bodies. As the work continued, officials reported the higher total.

DCI Director Mohammed Amin has publicly addressed the situation, clarifying that the remains were transferred from Nyamira Teaching and Referral Hospital under lawful orders and that forensic and legal processes are ongoing.

Mr Amin also dismissed early social‑media claims that the site was a “mass grave” linked to criminal activity, saying those characterisations were inaccurate.

“The bodies that are being exhumed have been transferred to the cemetery under court orders,” Amin told reporters during the exhumation exercise.

He reiterated that work is proceeding within legal frameworks and that the investigation will determine next steps.

In Kericho, Governor Erick Mutai made clear that his office was not involved in or aware of the burials at the cemetery, a statement that has prompted interest in how the burials were authorised and documented.

“My office was not aware of the burial arrangements nor did we authorise any burials at the Makaburini Cemetery,” Governor Mutai said in a statement released through his official channels.

At the site, religious leaders have also spoken out about the discovery.

Reverend Allan Kiombe, who was present during the exhumation, described the situation as “shocking and deeply saddening."

He called for clarity on the circumstances that led to the burial of the bodies without apparent public notice.

Local journalists covering the story have documented ongoing developments, including the emerging discrepancy between earlier reports and the current total of bodies exhumed.

The DCI has emphasized that the exhumation and related processes are part of an active investigation.

Officials have said further updates will be provided as more information is verified and as forensic analysis progresses.

At this stage, authorities are focusing on completing the exhumation and establishing the full sequence of events that resulted in the burial of the remains in Kericho.