Kericho: Three officials linked to irregular burial of 33 bodies released on Ksh.500K bond

Jason Mwachora (Chief Mortician, Nyamira Teaching and Referral Hospital), David Araka (Public Health Officer, Nyamira County) and Richard Towett (Cemetery Caretaker) were charged with the burial of deceased persons without a burial permit, contrary to Section 21 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act CAP 149 Laws of Kenya.

The three were accused that on March 20, 2026, at the NCCK Makaburini Cemetery, Kericho East Sub-County within Kericho County, they jointly coordinated the interment of 33 bodies without authorization or a valid burial permit.

Kericho Chief Magistrate Thomas Obutu released the trio on a bond of Ksh.500,000 and a surety of the same amount, while the pre-trials were set for June 8, 2026.

On March 20, 2026, a total of 33 bodies and 6 body parts were found buried in gunny bags at NCCK Makaburini Cemetery in Kericho town.

Preliminary reports indicate that the three officials were arrested after they disposed of 33 bodies, despite the Nyamira County Government having obtained a court order for only 13.