Three youths paid Sh1,000 each buried 32 or 33 bodies on the night of March 19 in Kericho cemetery without families or ceremonies. They revealed the truth to police two days later, leading to a court-ordered exhumation that found 25 children. Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo has distanced himself, blaming corrupt officials.
On the night of March 19, three street youths used shovels to bury 32 or 33 bodies in Kericho's public cemetery. The bodies came from Nyamira County hospital, including 25 children and 8 adults, along with body parts. There were no families, religious leaders or mourners; only a government vehicle and money to silence them.
Two days later, the youths went to Kericho Police Station and provided evidence. A court ordered exhumation, leading to the arrest of a Nyamira health officer. Four more suspects were arrested, totaling six, as DCI investigates the source of another 20 bodies.
Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, speaking yesterday, distanced himself from the secret burials. "The officer given Sh32,000 misappropriated them and used part for an undertaker," he said, adding the bodies were planned for daytime public burial.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the incident, stating "there was a court order directing the number of unclaimed bodies to be buried. It should not have been done secretly." Kenyan law allows burial of unclaimed bodies after 14 days with a court order, but this case highlights legal gaps and cultural fears around handling the dead.