PS confirms death of Kenyan teacher in Tanzania in polls chaos 

The government Thursday confirmed that a Kenyan national was shot and killed during the recent post-election unrest in Tanzania.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the state is taking all necessary steps to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of 33-year-old John Okoth Ogutu, a Kenyan teacher who had been living and working in Tanzania.

“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.

His remarks come amid growing frustration from the victim’s family, who say they have been taken in circles by officials at the Tanzanian High Commission in Nairobi as they seek answers and support for the repatriation of the body.

This is, even as the grieving family of Ogutu returned to the Tanzanian High Commission along Taifa Road in Nairobi for the second time this week, clinging to the hope of receiving news on the repatriation of their loved one’s remains…

But their hopes were dashed once more, as officials instructed them to return on Monday — just as they had been told four days earlier.

Mounting pressure from human rights groups and a section of lawmakers prompted the Kenyan government on Thursday to break its silence and confirm the fatal shooting, which occurred during post-election unrest in Tanzania.

Authorities say investigations are now underway to ensure justice is served.

“I rise to request a statement from the ministry on the unfortunate incident. It is a matter of grave national concern as it touches on the security of Kenyans living abroad. I seek circumstances under which this teacher was shot and killed,” Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said on the floor of the House.

Ogutu, who had lived in Dar es Salaam for more than a decade, was reportedly caught up in the violent skirmishes that erupted after the polls.

The teacher at Sky School Primary in the Kinondoni District in Dar es Salaam was said to have been preparing to travel back home as tensions escalated.

According to the family, a contact in Dar es Salaam relayed the devastating news that Ogutu had been shot at Goba Centre in Ubungo District as protests escalated shortly after the election on October 29.

Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, held talks with his Tanzanian counterpart, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, to address the welfare and protection of Kenyan nationals residing in Tanzania.

This follows reports that Kenyans are being harassed and beaten by Tanzania authorities since the country held elections that turned violence.

At least one Kenyan was shot and killed in the protests that broke out. Many others are in custody.

During the bilateral consultations, held on the phone, Mudavadi emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights, safety, and security of all foreign nationals, including members of the Kenyan diaspora community, who contribute to Tanzania’s economic growth through business ventures and professional services.

He noted that there have been reported incidents involving infringements on the rights of some Kenyans living in Tanzania. The Kenyan government, he said, has formally submitted details of these cases to Tanzanian authorities for appropriate action.

“We appreciate Tanzania’s assurances that all foreign residents conducting legitimate activities will continue to enjoy full protection under the law,” Mudavadi said.

Kombo reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all residents, including foreign nationals, are treated fairly.

Both ministers agreed that any emerging issues will be handled through established diplomatic and consular channels, in accordance with international protocols and the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol.

Mudavadi also underscored Kenya’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the historic bilateral ties between the two nations and advancing the East African Community’s integration agenda.

“The friendship between Kenya and Tanzania has stood the test of time. We are determined to preserve and build upon this cooperation for the benefit of our people,” he stated.