Horrific Discovery in Kericho as Authorities Uncover Mass Grave Containing Dozens of Children

Kenyan authorities investigate a mass grave at Makaburini Cemetery containing 32 bodies and severed limbs. Two officials arrested as autopsies begin in Kericho.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 11:10 AM EDT

Source: People

Whistleblower Tip Leads to Grisly Exhumation

The investigation began on Tuesday, March 24, after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) received specific intelligence regarding illegal burials at the Makaburini site. While a court order was initially granted to recover 14 suspected corpses, the scale of the site proved far larger. Government pathologist Richard Njoroge confirmed that the final count reached 32 individuals, consisting of seven adults and 25 children, some of whom were identified as neonates and fetuses. In a disturbing addition to the whole remains, investigators also recovered six severed body parts, specifically four legs and two hands, which are currently undergoing separate forensic analysis.

Evidence of Systematic but Irregular Disposal

Preliminary observations by the pathology team suggest that the victims died at significantly different times, evidenced by varying levels of decomposition between the adult and child remains. Many of the bodies were found "stacked in gunny bags," a method of disposal that contradicts standard medical and legal burial protocols. Pathologist Njoroge noted that while some remains appear to have originated from hospital or mortuary settings, the lack of documentation for more than half the bodies has raised alarms regarding potential criminal negligence or foul play. The National Council of Churches of Kenya, which owns the cemetery, has publicly denied any knowledge of the unauthorized burials.

Arrests and the Hospital Connection

The DCI has traced a portion of the remains to Nyamira County, where 13 unclaimed bodies were reportedly released from a local hospital on March 20 for official burial. However, the presence of 19 additional bodies and the disorganized nature of the grave site led to the immediate arrest of David Araka Makori, a Nyamira County public health officer, and Richard Towett, the manager of the Kericho cemetery. A Kenyan court has authorized the police to detain both men for 30 days. This detention period is intended to allow investigators to cross-reference hospital records with the physical evidence found at the scene.