Authorities in Kericho, western Kenya, have unearthed a mass grave containing approximately 32 bodies, predominantly infants and fetuses. The shocking discovery was made as police conducted an investigation into disturbing burial practices in the region.



Initial reports indicated that the police had secured a court order to exhume 14 bodies believed to be buried at the site, which has since revealed a far larger number of remains than anticipated.



Government pathologist Richard Njoroge described the scene as 'quite unusual,' remarking that many of the bodies were discovered 'stacked in gunny bags' following a day of exhumation marred by heavy rains.



A thorough post-mortem examination is set to commence, with calls for the swift identification of victims and a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.



Among the remains, authorities reported seven adults and 25 children, all indicating signs of having been deceased for varying lengths of time, with young remains being less decomposed. Investigations indicate that at least 13 unclaimed bodies had been transported from a local hospital for burial.



Many questions linger about how the bodies were interred at a site affiliated with the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), which has denied any involvement in these secret burials.



Vocal Africa, a human rights group, labeled the discovery a 'staggering and horrific escalation' that demands urgent investigation into potential violence and accountability for the victims. Reports have also surfaced of mutilation among the remains.



This incident raises serious concerns of malpractice within local health systems, with calls from the outgoing president of the Law Society of Kenya for immediate victim identification. The DCI has already arrested two suspects related to the case, including a public health officer and a cemetery caretaker.



This grim discovery is reminiscent of a previous incident in 2023, when over 400 bodies were uncovered in mass graves linked to a cult in a remote forest, signifying a disturbing pattern of grave violations in Kenya.