DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Kenya’s High Commission in Dar es Salaam has moved to assure Kenyans of their safety amid reports that Tanzanian authorities are targeting foreign nationals, including Kenyans, following post-election tensions in the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the Mission said operations had resumed normalcy after the lifting of curfews and restrictions imposed during Tanzania’s election period, emphasizing that the welfare of Kenyans remains its top priority.
“The Kenya High Commission in Dar es Salaam wishes to reassure the Kenyan community in Tanzania that the Mission has resumed normal operations following the lifting of the curfew and restrictions put in place after the General Elections in Tanzania,” the statement read in part.
The Commission added that it is in constant communication with Tanzanian authorities to ensure Kenyan nationals are safe and their rights are protected. It urged Kenyans to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, and to promptly report any security concerns or distress cases through its helpline: +255 22 2668285/6.
“No incident targeting Kenyan nationals has been reported so far,” the Mission stated, while pledging to continue issuing updates and advisories through official communication channels and community networks.
The statement came amid growing concerns online over the alleged harassment of foreigners in Tanzania after President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s re-election, which was marred by accusations of intimidation and lack of transparency.
Suluhu, who secured 98% of the vote, has blamed “foreign interference” for post-election protests that turned deadly, ordering a sweeping security operation in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha.
“What happened is not Tanzanian and not part of our culture. Some of those arrested were from outside the country,” she said during her swearing-in ceremony on November 3.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) observer mission has since reported that the election “fell short of democratic standards,” citing the disqualification of opposition candidates, media censorship, and limited voter freedom.
Meanwhile, Kenyan lawmaker Babu Owino and human rights organizations, including Vocal Africa, have urged the government to intervene following reports that a Kenyan teacher, John Okoth Ogutu, was killed in Dar es Salaam during the unrest.
His body was allegedly taken to Mwananyamala Hospital mortuary but later went missing, according to the rights group.
In a letter to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Owino demanded the repatriation of Ogutu’s remains and stronger consular protection for Kenyans in the diaspora.
He also called for a parliamentary statement detailing the government’s measures to safeguard citizens living and working abroad, particularly within the East African Community (EAC).
As calm slowly returns to Tanzania, the Kenyan Mission has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens while maintaining diplomatic engagement with Dar es Salaam to ensure peace and security for all Kenyans residing there.
