The chilling saga of Mukuru kwa Njenga took a darker turn on Saturday, July 13, as four more bodies were recovered, bringing the total to 18. 

The ongoing retrieval efforts at the Kware pit have been painstakingly slow, according to human rights groups. The Kenya Red Cross has deployed a single boat to aid the rescue mission, but the exact number of bodies still buried remains unknown.

The grim discovery of mutilated bodies wrapped in polythene bags continues to baffle investigators and horrify the local community. 

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), supported by a specialised homicide team and the Recce squad, is spearheading the effort to uncover the truth behind these gruesome acts. 

Large crowds of residents have gathered around the dumpsite, drawn by the morbid spectacle and the hope of understanding the horror that has befallen their neighbourhood.

DCI boss Mohamed Amin revealed that preliminary investigations point to a chillingly systematic method of killing. "The bodies have been transferred to the City Mortuary, where they await post-mortem examinations to confirm our suspicions and positively identify the victims," Amin stated. 

The uniform manner in which the bodies were wrapped and disposed of suggests that these heinous acts may be the work of the same perpetrators.

Witnesses have reported that the bodies appear to be in a similar state of decomposition, estimated at one to two weeks. 

This observation is yet to be officially confirmed through post-mortem examinations, which are expected to provide crucial insights into the victims' identities and the cause of death.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has voiced its concern, urging President William Ruto's administration to disclose the circumstances surrounding the discovery of these mutilated bodies. 

The KHRC's call for transparency underscores the growing frustration and fear within the community, as residents grapple with the implications of these horrific events.

The slow pace of the retrieval operation has drawn criticism from various quarters. Human rights activists have highlighted the dire need for more resources and personnel to expedite the process and ensure a thorough investigation. The Kenya Red Cross's involvement, though crucial, is seen as insufficient given the scale of the tragedy.

As the investigation progresses, the community remains on edge, haunted by the knowledge that more bodies could still be uncovered. The sight of body bags emerging from the Kware pit has left an indelible mark on those who have witnessed it, a stark reminder of the brutality that has invaded their lives.

Speculation is rife about the possible motives behind these killings. Some fear that this could be the work of a serial killer or a criminal syndicate, while others suggest a more sinister, organised effort to dispose of the bodies in a manner that would delay discovery and identification. 

The police have remained tight-lipped about potential leads, focusing instead on the meticulous task of gathering and analysing evidence.