The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Autopsy examinations on bodies recovered from shallow graves in Mwingi, Kitui County, have revealed evidence of violent deaths, including strangulation, blunt force trauma, and stabbing, further deepening the mystery surrounding the incident.
Government pathologist Johansen Oduor carried out the postmortem on Tuesday after the remains were moved from Kitui to Nairobi for detailed analysis.
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The bodies were discovered earlier this month in Mwingi town near Kasina Primary School after residents spotted human remains emerging from a shallow grave on June 9.
Speaking after the examination, Oduor said the remains were in an advanced state of decomposition, which complicated efforts to establish the exact causes of death in some cases.
He noted that the bodies were severely decomposed, with some already partially skeletonised.
Although seven bodies were initially reported, forensic experts treated the remains as eight separate cases after one was found with a detached head.
He explained that the head had been separated from the rest of the body.
The postmortem findings showed that two victims died from strangulation, with one showing clear ligature marks on the neck.
Another victim had a stab wound to the abdomen, while three others showed head injuries consistent with blunt force trauma.
However, the medical team could not determine the cause of death for two bodies due to extensive decomposition.
Oduor said many of the injuries suggested violent causes of death, though the victims’ identities and circumstances remain unknown.
He further noted that strangulation and stabbing typically indicate intentional acts, adding that self-inflicted strangulation was not possible.
Due to decomposition, it was also difficult to establish the exact time the bodies had been buried, though preliminary estimates suggest up to three months.
Samples have been collected for DNA profiling and toxicology tests to help identify the victims and determine whether any substances contributed to the deaths.
Authorities say the bodies remain unidentified and are urging families of missing persons to provide DNA samples for matching.
The remains will be returned to Mwingi and preserved as investigations continue.
Oduor also dismissed claims that the bodies had been preserved with chemicals, stating that decomposition levels showed no evidence of preservation.
