Officials said the remains include both adults and children, with some identified as infants, Newsdesk reports
A mass grave containing at least 32 bodies, most of them children, has been uncovered in Kericho in western Kenya, prompting an ongoing investigation by authorities.
The remains were exhumed after police secured a court order to retrieve what they initially believed were 14 bodies buried at the site. However, the number rose significantly during the operation.
Government pathologist Richard Njoroge described the discovery as “unusual”, noting that several bodies were found packed in sacks. The excavation, carried out under tight security, was briefly disrupted by heavy rainfall.
Officials said the remains include both adults and children, with some identified as infants. Preliminary observations suggest the bodies may have been buried at different times.
Authorities have launched post mortem examinations to establish identities and determine the cause of death, amid growing calls for a transparent probe.
Investigators are also examining whether some of the bodies may have originated from hospitals or mortuaries, though this has not yet been confirmed.
The discovery followed a tip off, which led police to begin digging at the site. Initial findings indicated that a number of unclaimed bodies had been transported from a nearby county for burial, but questions remain about the additional remains.
The land where the bodies were found is linked to the National Council of Churches of Kenya, which has denied any involvement in the burials.
Police have detained at least two individuals, including a public health official and a cemetery worker, as part of the investigation.
Human rights groups have described the discovery as deeply disturbing, urging authorities to quickly identify the victims and ensure accountability.
The developments were first reported by the BBC.
