Authorities have revealed troubling details from a mass grave at Makaburini Cemetery in Kericho County after conducting post-mortem examinations on bodies recovered there.
The forensic exercise focused on understanding the cause of death for 33 bodies unearthed at the site, 25 of which were children.
Dr Njoroge, who led the investigations, reported that four of the children had died from head injuries, while 10 had died due to premature birth.
In two cases, the exact cause of death could not be determined. “Prematurity as a cause of death, we found in 10, and then some sort of head injuries we found in 4,” said Njoroge.
The team also identified eight of the children as male and 10 as female, while the gender of the remaining seven could not be established due to severe decomposition.
“They were in various stages of decomposition; only a few are fresh. Others were severely decomposed. In terms of age, some were infants,” he explained.
The post-mortem examinations on the children represented the first phase of the forensic exercise. Autopsies on the remaining eight adult bodies are scheduled to take place on Friday as the investigation continues.
“Tomorrow, we continue with the adults. We hope to complete the exercise tomorrow,” Dr Njoroge added.
The discovery of the mass graves at Makaburini Cemetery last Saturday brought the grim reality to light, prompting a full-scale forensic investigation. Authorities are working to determine how the children and adults came to be buried at the cemetery and to establish accountability where necessary.
The findings so far have painted a stark picture, highlighting the need for urgent investigation and follow-up to prevent similar tragedies. Families and the local community are awaiting further updates as authorities continue the autopsy process and collect more evidence from the site.
The ongoing investigation aims not only to clarify the circumstances surrounding the deaths but also to provide justice for the victims and answers for the grieving families. The forensic team is expected to complete all post-mortem examinations soon, moving a step closer to uncovering the full story behind the mass graves.
