Kericho "Mass Grave" Mystery: 14 Bodies Found at Makaburini Cemetery Under Investigation

A tense situation unfolded in Kericho town after 14 bodies were discovered at Makaburini Public Cemetery, sparking fears of extrajudicial killings. Authorities, however, now say the incident may be linked to a lawful but poorly managed transfer of unclaimed bodies.

Local residents raised the alarm after noticing an unusually large and fresh grave at the cemetery, triggering immediate speculation on social media about potential human rights violations.

The Discovery – March 20, 2026

Two casual grave diggers, aged 23 and 26, told police they were hired by three men in a white Toyota Land Cruiser to dig a single large pit. Around 6:00 AM, they reported that 14 bodies in body bags were dumped into the grave.

Initial claims that some bodies showed signs of mutilation fueled intense speculation on social media, with many calling for immediate international investigation. The discovery prompted angry protests from local residents who demanded answers from authorities.

DCI Clarifications – March 23, 2026

DCI Director Mohamed Amin dismissed the "mass grave" label as sensationalized. He explained that the bodies were unclaimed remains transferred from Nyamira Teaching and Referral Hospital due to mortuary congestion.

"The burial was legally sanctioned under court orders for 13–14 unclaimed bodies. We are currently verifying the documentation, as a recovered photocopy appeared to authorize only seven bodies."

Authorities maintained that while the transfer was legally sanctioned, the handling and documentation of the process appeared to violate standard protocols. The cemetery is reportedly private, owned by either the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) or the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), raising questions about why inter-county transfers were made to a private facility.

Arrests and Court Proceedings

Two suspects were arraigned at Kericho Principal Magistrate SM Nyaga's court on Monday, March 23:

David Araka Makori – a Public Health Officer from Nyamira County, and Richard Towett (alias Ezekiel) – the cemetery caretaker, who was initially reported missing.

Police were granted 30 days to continue investigations while the suspects remain in custody. Investigators are working to trace the three men in the white Toyota Land Cruiser who allegedly supervised the burial.

What's Next?

Exhumation: Court orders have been issued to exhume the 14 bodies for post-mortem examinations and DNA testing to confirm identities and causes of death.

Public Oversight: Officials have promised the process will be conducted in daylight and in the presence of the public to prevent any tampering or destruction of evidence.

The case remains under close observation as investigators seek to clarify whether procedural lapses or miscommunication led to the confusion, or if more serious criminal activities occurred.