Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that preliminary investigations into the Kericho mass grave incident point to possible collusion between Nyamira County health officials and a cemetery caretaker.
Speaking on March 28, 2026, in Kiptemo, Kericho County, Murkomen said early findings suggest coordinated wrongdoing in the unlawful disposal of bodies at Makaburini Public Cemetery.
The CS was addressing mourners during the burial of his longtime friend Dr. Edna Chepkwony’s mother, the late Mama Recho Cherono Siele.
“The preliminary findings in the Kericho mass grave case indicate a possible collusion between Nyamira County health officials and the caretaker of Makaburini Public Cemetery in Kericho County,” Murkomen disclosed.
The discovery of the mass grave has sparked public outrage and raised concerns about adherence to legal procedures governing the handling and disposal of human remains.
Murkomen expressed regret over the incident, terming it a serious breach of the law and established protocols.
He confirmed that several suspects linked to the case have already been arrested and will face prosecution once investigations are complete.
“What happened is unacceptable. There was a court order specifying the number of bodies to be disposed of. It was not supposed to happen in darkness,” he said.
According to the CS, investigators have established that the number of bodies buried at the site exceeded what had been authorised by a court order, suggesting deliberate violation of legal directives.
“We have established that the number of bodies exceeds what the court had authorised. Those responsible have been arrested and will face the full force of the law,” Murkomen added.
While stopping short of providing detailed figures, the Cabinet Secretary indicated that a comprehensive report will be released once investigations are finalised, offering a full account of the incident and identifying all culpable parties.
He also commended members of the public who reported the matter, noting that their vigilance played a critical role in uncovering the irregularities.
Murkomen urged Kenyans to adhere strictly to legal procedures when handling the dead, emphasising that proper channels must always be followed to avoid similar incidents.
“It is important for Kenyans to know that when someone passes away, there is a proper procedure for disposing of a body, and the support of security agencies must be sought,” he advised.
The case has drawn attention to potential systemic gaps in oversight within both county health systems and cemetery management, with authorities now under pressure to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence.
As investigations continue, the government has signalled its commitment to enforcing the law and restoring public confidence in institutions tasked with safeguarding dignity in death.
The Kericho mass grave incident remains under active investigation, with more details expected in the coming days as authorities piece together the circumstances surrounding the unlawful burials.
