NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan government has confirmed that a Kenyan national, John Okoth Ogutu, was shot and killed during the recent post-election unrest in Tanzania, prompting calls for justice and diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo said on Thursday that investigations were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the death of the 33-year-old teacher, who had lived and worked in Tanzania for over a decade.
“It is an unfortunate incident following the commotion that was there. A contact has been created in Dar es Salaam. I want to assure the family that the case will be handled in a manner that is respectful,” said Dr. Omollo.
Ogutu, a teacher at Sky School Primary in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam, was reportedly shot at Goba Centre in Ubungo District during violent protests that erupted after the October 29 elections.
He was preparing to return home as tensions escalated.
His family, based in Siaya County, has accused Tanzanian officials of frustrating their efforts to repatriate his body. Relatives said they had made repeated visits to the Tanzanian High Commission in Nairobi seeking updates, but were asked to “return on Monday” — a request that has now been repeated twice in one week.
The delay has stirred growing frustration among family members and human rights advocates, who have urged both governments to expedite the repatriation and ensure accountability.
“It is a matter of grave national concern as it touches on the security of Kenyans living abroad,” Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said in Parliament, calling on the Interior Ministry to clarify the circumstances of Ogutu’s death and outline protection measures for Kenyans in Tanzania.
Following mounting public pressure, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi held bilateral talks with his Tanzanian counterpart, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, to discuss the safety of Kenyans living in Tanzania.
Mudavadi confirmed that the government had submitted details of alleged harassment and rights violations against Kenyans to Tanzanian authorities for further investigation.
“We appreciate Tanzania’s assurances that all foreign residents conducting legitimate activities will continue to enjoy full protection under the law,” he said.
Kombo, on his part, reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and to treat all foreign nationals fairly.
Both ministers agreed that any emerging issues would be handled through established diplomatic and consular channels, in accordance with international norms and the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger regional mechanisms to protect migrant workers within the EAC. Mudavadi stressed that the friendship between Kenya and Tanzania “has stood the test of time” and pledged continued cooperation to safeguard citizens of both nations.
“We are determined to preserve and build upon this cooperation for the benefit of our people,” he said.
The family of the late Ogutu continues to await official communication on when his remains will be brought home, as diplomatic efforts intensify to ensure justice and accountability for his death.
