Scare as newly dug graves found in Migori County

Freshly dug graves (Photo: Courtesy)

Public health and security officials in Migori County are in a tight spot after freshly dug graves were discovered on the outskirts of the county headquarters.

Residents of Lichota village yesterday told journalists they found the graves in a field full of shrubs and guava trees, with some bodies dragged out of the graves by wild dogs.

They said residents living near the field had to contend with the foul smell coming from the graves and now fear they could soon contract diseases.

The villagers who led reporters to the site said they suspected one of the graves could have more than six bodies  in it.

One of the bodies dragged out of the said mass grave could be seen wrapped in a blanket.

Residents noted the bodies had previously been secretly buried in the field, but they were alarmed by the increased night activity at the site.

But both security and Migori officials distanced themselves from the "unofficial" cemetery.

Outgoing Health executive Kephas Nyamita said they were not aware of the "cemetery", saying it could be  a dumping ground for bodies of people killed by thugs.

But Migory County Commander Joseph Nthenge said the field was a public cemetery.