Post-mortem examinations conducted on bodies recovered from a mass grave at Makaburini Cemetery in Kericho County have revealed that several children died from a combination of medical and physical causes, deepening the mystery surrounding the grim discovery.
A total of 33 bodies were exhumed from the site, including 25 children, prompting a detailed forensic investigation led by government pathologists.
Autopsy findings point to prematurity and injuries
According to lead government pathologist Dr Njoroge, the post-mortem results showed that 10 children died due to complications related to premature birth, while four others died from head injuries.
“Prematurity as a cause of death, we found in 10, and then some sort of head injuries we found in 4,” he said after the exercise.
In two additional cases, the cause of death could not be established, largely due to the condition of the remains.
Bodies in different stages of decomposition
Investigators noted that the remains were in varying stages of decomposition, complicating efforts to determine identities and exact causes of death.
Some bodies were relatively fresh, while others had decomposed significantly. Among the children examined, eight were identified as male and 10 as female, while the gender of seven could not be determined.
“They were in various stages of decomposition; only a few are fresh. Others were severely decomposed. In terms of age, some were infants,” Dr Njoroge explained.
Investigations continue as more autopsies planned
The first phase of the post-mortem focused on the 25 children, with examinations on the remaining eight adult bodies scheduled to continue.
“Tomorrow, we continue with the adults. We hope to complete the exercise,” Dr Njoroge added.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to establish how the bodies ended up in the cemetery and whether any criminal activity or negligence was involved.
