Kenya: Mass grave of children uncovered as investigations deepen

Authorities in Kericho, Kenya, have uncovered around 32 bodies, most of them children, from a suspected mass grave, in a discovery that has shocked the country and prompted an urgent investigation, as reported by BBC News Africa with AFP on March 25th.

The bodies were exhumed following a court order that initially authorised the retrieval of 14 remains. However, investigators found far more than expected, with officials describing the scene as highly unusual. Government pathologist Richard Njoroge said the remains were “stacked in gunny bags” and included seven adults and 25 children, many of them infants and foetuses.

Preliminary observations suggest the bodies may have originated from hospitals or mortuaries, although this will be confirmed through post-mortem examinations. Njoroge noted differences in decomposition, indicating the victims died at different times.

Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said that 13 of the bodies had been officially released from a hospital in neighbouring Nyamira county before being transported for burial. However, questions remain over the additional bodies and the circumstances surrounding their disposal.

The burial site is located on land owned by the National Council of Churches of Kenya, which has denied any involvement, stating the burials were conducted without its knowledge or approval.

Police have arrested two suspects, including a public health officer and a cemetery caretaker, as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are also examining whether criminal activity beyond procedural irregularities may be involved.

Human rights group Vocal Africa described the discovery as a “staggering and horrific escalation,” raising concerns about possible mutilation and calling for a transparent national inquiry. Outgoing Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo also urged authorities to prioritise identifying the victims.

The case has drawn comparisons to the 2023 mass graves discovered in Shakahola forest, where more than 400 bodies were linked to a cult led by Paul Mackenzie.

Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to determine the full scale and cause of the tragedy.

BBC News Africa with AFP, Maghrebi.org