A sombre investigation is underway in Kericho County after police received chilling reports of a potential mass grave at the Makaburini Cemetery.

The detectives have since cordoned off the area as they work to verify the shocking claims made by two local gravediggers.

According to a statement released by the National Police Service (NPS), on Sunday, March 22, 2026, officers moved swiftly to secure the scene following the report.

The incident came to light after two street boys, aged 23 and 26, who work as gravediggers at the public cemetery, walked into Kericho Police Station on Saturday, March 21, 2026, to report a disturbing sequence of events.

“At this preliminary stage, we are seeking to establish the veracity of the claims. Some witnesses have since recorded statements, and efforts are underway to locate and interview more persons of interest in this matter,” the statement read in part.

The duo told police that on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in the morning, a vehicle carrying three occupants arrived at the cemetery. They claimed that the visitors held lengthy discussions with the person of interest, who was said to be the site’s caretaker.

The situation escalated early Friday, March 20, 2026, morning, around 6 am, when the same three individuals returned in a white Land Cruiser.

In their testimony, the street boys claimed they were instructed to dig a large grave. They claim that upon completion, they witnessed approximately 14 bodies, some mutilated, all enclosed in body bags, being dumped into a single pit.

Another Shakahola?

Following the report, the Kericho Deputy County Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO), alongside Scene of Crime Personnel and officers from Kericho Police Station, immediately visited and secured the location to preserve the integrity of potential evidence.

Police have confirmed that they are treating the matter with the highest level of seriousness and assured the public that the investigation will be handled professionally and transparently.

“The National Police Service assures the public that this matter is being handled with the utmost seriousness and will be conducted professionally and transparently to ascertain the facts surrounding this incident,” the statement added.

Authorities are now seeking to trace the person of interest and the occupants of the white Land Cruiser for interrogation.

A request for the exhumation of the reported mass grave is expected to be sought next week to allow for forensic analysis and the identification of the victims.

The National Police Service has called for calm and urged anyone with information to come forward.

“We appeal to members of the public to remain calm as investigations are ongoing. Any person with information that may assist this investigation is requested to report to the nearest police station or law enforcement officer, or to share it via our toll-free numbers: 999, 911, 112, or anonymously via our #FichuakwaDCI on 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000,” the police appealed.

As the Kericho community waits for answers, police have vowed to conduct impartial and expedient investigations, promising further updates as the case develops.