Kericho Mass Grave: Murkomen Orders Full Probe Amid Arrests
News Updated: 28 March 2026 19:14 EAT
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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the shocking discovery of a mass grave at Makaburini Cemetery in Kericho County, saying authorities are treating the matter with urgency and seriousness. The case has gripped the nation after remains believed to include adults and children were unearthed.
Murkomen confirmed that six people have been arrested in connection with the affair and that investigators are probing how the burial was carried out, stressing that those responsible must face justice. He described the burials as having taken place “in secret” and outside the legal framework, indicating potential breaches of law in handling unclaimed bodies.
Addressing the media on Saturday, Murkomen said the discovery was “unacceptable,” adding that the number of bodies found exceeded what had been authorised by a court order, a development that has intensified suspicions over possible collusion or misconduct.
The Cabinet Secretary reiterated that those responsible will face the full force of the law, underscoring that Kenyan statutes require a clear legal process — including court approval — before unclaimed remains can be buried. Investigators were examining documentation and actions of all parties involved.
The statement came amid mounting pressure from civil society and legal experts, including calls for swift identification of the victims and transparent action by authorities. Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo urged quick forensic work to name the deceased and determine causes of death.
Parallel reporting indicates that only a minority of the bodies exhumed had court clearance for burial, raising further legal and ethical concerns about the administrative and procedural lapses that may have occurred. Human rights groups have flagged the lack of documentation for dozens of the remains.
National outrage has grown after media reports showing that at least 30 bodies — including many children — had been buried in the site, some believed to have been moved from hospital mortuaries without public notice. Autopsies and forensic examinations are underway to establish causes of death and assist in identification.
Murkomen’s comments reflect a broader government effort to reassure the public that the incident is being taken seriously and that security agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, are pursuing all leads.
The unfolding investigation has sparked national debate about accountability, oversight, and the safeguards needed to prevent similar situations in the future as communities await detailed findings from forensic and legal inquiries.
Tags: Deaths Edit Editor's Pick Editors choice Interior Ministry Kericho County Kericho County Assembly Kericho Mass Graves Kericho Mass Graves Kericho Massacre Kipchumba Murkomen Security And Development Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia Signstvkenya
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FELIX MAKONA
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