Police in Mbale, Vihiga County, have launched investigations into the discovery of two bodies found inside a septic tank a few metres from Mbale Police Station.

Members of the public discovered the bodies on Tuesday morning, January 13, 2026, and alerted the authorities. Police officers from Mbale Police Station, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and county officials responded to the scene.

The bodies are believed to be those of a man and a woman. Residents gathered at the site as officers secured the area and began preliminary investigations. The discovery caused fear among locals and raised concerns about security in the town.

One family has since identified one of the bodies. According to relatives, Humphrey Baranga went missing on December 24, 2024. His family says they have searched for him for more than two weeks without success.

Speaking at the scene, the mother, Jane Kasigane, said the family only learnt of his fate after residents reported a foul smell coming from the septic tank. She said the family had no information about his whereabouts until the discovery.

“Hatukua tumejua ako wapi. “Lakini alisema anaskia harufu, ndio nikakuja. Sijaangalia yeye lakini wamesema wametoa,” she said.

The family is now demanding answers from the authorities on what happened to him and how his body ended up in the septic pit.

The second body, believed to be that of a woman, was found in an advanced state of decomposition. Residents suspect it may have been dumped earlier than the first body, although police have not confirmed this. Officers say forensic examinations will help establish the identities of both victims and the timeline of events.

Public tip-off sparks action

Assistant Chief Alex Omenda of Mbihi sub-location said members of the public reported seeing bodies inside the septic tank. He said local administrators immediately informed security agencies, including the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), DCI officers, and county officials.

The teams worked together with residents to retrieve the bodies.

“Nimepata habari kutoka kwa wananchi ya kwamba kuna miili inaonekana katika septic tank. Hapa Mbale town,” he said.

“Tuliweza kujulisha vitengo vyetu vya usalama akina OCS, Mbale police station, akina DCI, na county department. Walikuja na tukaweza kuteam up pamoja, na wananchi pamoja tukashirikiana tukaweza kutoa hiyo miili.”

The incident has raised serious questions among residents, especially given the proximity of the septic tank to the police station. Many locals have expressed concern over how such a crime could take place so close to a security facility without being noticed.

Police have moved the bodies to Vihiga County Referral Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations. Investigators hope the examinations will establish the cause of death and assist in the ongoing probe.