By Andrew Kariuki
Investigations into a mass grave linked to Nyamira Teaching and Referral Hospital have uncovered significant discrepancies in the handling and disposal of human remains, raising concerns over possible criminal conduct.
During a press briefing by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Boss Mohammed Ibrahim Amin,he stated that there was a mismatch between the number of bodies authorised for disposal and the actual remains recovered during exhumation. A court order issued on March 17, 2026 had permitted the disposal of 13 unclaimed bodies, comprising eight adults, one child, three foetuses and one twin stillbirth.
He further stated that, an exhumation exercise conducted on March 24, 2026 revealed 33 bodies, including eight adults and 25 foetuses, as well as six additional body parts identified as amputation specimens.
The Investigators further established that only four foetuses and infants had been authorised for disposal, yet 25 were recovered, alongside unexplained body parts that lacked corresponding court approval or documentation.
The probe also revealed serious lapses in mortuary procedures, with most of the recovered allegedly remain lacking standard identification tags or proper documentation. In some cases, only informal handwritten tags were allegedly found, while others had no identification at all.
Additionally, hospital records allegedly indicated that 46 infants may have died and been taken to the mortuary, but there were no corresponding records accounting for how the remains were discharged.
Authorities confirmed that all the remains recovered from the mass grave originated from Nyamira Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary, a fact Amin says was acknowledged by hospital management.
Investigations also established that on March 19, 2026, four bags containing human remains were allegedly transported from the hospital using a white Toyota Land Cruiser, registration number GKA 549L. The vehicle has since been impounded.
Autopsy results revealed that among the foetuses, causes of death included prematurity, birth asphyxia and cases where decomposition made determination impossible. For adults, some deaths were linked to trauma, infections and medical conditions, while others remained undetermined due to decomposition.
Amin stated that, so far, six suspects have been arrested in connection with the case. Three were released after questioning but remain under investigation, while three others are in custody pursuant to court orders.
Those in custody include chief mortician Jason Mochara Nyabi, public health officer David Araka Makori, and cemetery caretaker Richard Towette alias Ezekiel.
The DCI has launched further investigations, including DNA analysis to identify the deceased, forensic examination of hospital and court records, and efforts to trace families of the victims.
The matter is ongoing, with court proceedings scheduled for mention on April 23, 2026.
