Kenyan police relocated amid investigation into mutilated bodies

Kenya’s acting inspector general of police said officers at the police station near the dump where the dismembered body parts were found had been reassigned.

On Sunday, Douglas Kanja Kirocho said eight female bodies had so far been found at the scene in the capital Nairobi.

Kenya’s police watchdog has previously said it is investigating whether police were involved in the gruesome deaths, amid allegations of widespread human rights abuses by officers during recent anti-government protests.

Mr Kirocho said officers from Kware police station were being deployed to ensure a “fair and impartial investigation” into the “brutal” deaths.

Detectives have been scouring the Mukuru slum since Friday, when the bodies of six women were found in sacks floating in a sea of ​​rubbish.

On Saturday, five more bags containing body parts were recovered.

Preliminary reports indicate the bodies were in various stages of decomposition and the deceased were aged between 18 and 30.

Police said some of the bags contained severed limbs and torsos, speculating that the deaths could be linked to the activities of cult members or serial killers.

But the Independent Police Watchdog said there were “widespread allegations of police involvement in unlawful arrests”. [and] “kidnapping” means a preliminary investigation is being conducted to determine if there is any connection with the police.

Human rights groups have accused police of opening fire. Dozens of protesters protested against the tax hike plan. Several people died earlier this month.

Police have also been accused of kidnapping or arbitrarily arresting hundreds of others during the protests.

Responding to the bodies found in Mukuru, the Independent Police Watchdog said: “The bodies were wrapped in bags and tied with nylon rope, showing clear signs of torture and mutilation.”

The watchdog also noted that the dump is less than 100m from Kware police station.

Contrary to police reports, the Independent Police Watchdog said nine dismembered bodies were found at the Mukuru landfill site – seven female and two male.

Mr Kirocho said police were aiming to conclude the investigation into the deaths “within 21 days”.

The bodies are being held at a funeral home in Nairobi, awaiting autopsies.

Local media reported that police deployed two water cannons to the scene on Saturday, after angry protesters threatened to open bags filled with human remains.

Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officials urged people to remain calm and allow them to investigate the findings, accusing protesters of obstructing their investigation.

The horrific discovery has put pressure on President William Ruto, who has vowed that those behind the killings will be punished.

“We are a democratic country governed by the rule of law. Those involved in the mysterious killings in Nairobi and elsewhere in the country will be held accountable,” he said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

The incident is the latest worrying incident in Kenya.

Last year, the nation was left horrified after the remains of hundreds of people linked to a doomsday cult were discovered in the coastal town of Malindi in the Indian Ocean.

Paul Nthenge Mackenzie appeared in court in Mombasa earlier this week charged with terrorism and murder in connection with the deaths of more than 440 of his followers. He denies the charges.

He is accused of encouraging men, women and children to starve themselves to “meet Jesus”, in one of the world’s worst cult-related massacres.