MP seeks answers from parliament over Kericho mass grave scandal

Homicide detectives dig to exhume unidentified bodies buried under unclear circumstances at Kericho Public Cemetery.
[Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei has moved to Parliament seeking answers over the controversial burial of dozens of unidentified bodies  in a mass grave at the Kericho County Public Cemetery.

 In a formal request submitted to the National Assembly, Kemei is demanding a comprehensive statement from the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the circumstances under which the bodies were transported and buried.

 The MP raised concern over reports that the bodies, believed to have originated from Nyamira County, were moved and interred in Kericho County without clear documentation or adherence to established legal procedures.

 At the centre of the inquiry is a reported discrepancy in the number of bodies involved.

 While authorities are said to have approved the burial of 13 bodies, a total of 33 were allegedly buried, prompting questions over possible irregularities and breaches of protocol.

 “The handling and disposal of human remains must strictly follow the law, including proper authorisation, identification, and record-keeping,” Kemei stated in her request, citing concerns over possible violations of the Public Health Act and the National Coroners Service Act.

 Through her submission, Kemei, is seeking clarification on whether all necessary permits were obtained, including inter-county approvals, and whether due process was followed in transporting the bodies across county lines.

 “ We also want a detailed account of the identities and origin of the deceased, the circumstances surrounding their deaths, and the reasons behind the decision to dispose of them in a mass grave,” she said.

 Further, Kemei is pushing for government action to conduct forensic identification of the bodies, including DNA analysis, to help trace next of kin and ensure dignified reburials.

 The MP has also demanded an update on investigations into the matter, including measures being taken to hold accountable any individuals or institutions found to have acted outside the law.

 The request, received by the Speaker’s Office on April 1, 2026, has been committed to the relevant parliamentary committee, which is expected to table its response in the coming days. 

The revelations have sparked public concern, with residents and human rights groups calling for swift action to uncover the truth behind the mass burial and ensure justice for the unidentified victims.