Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has officially raised the alarm over the alleged killing of a Kenyan citizen in Tanzania.
The MP sent a strong letter to Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Mr Owino demanded immediate action from the Kenyan government. The letter concerns a Kenyan teacher named John Okoth Ogutu.
The Alleged Shooting in Dar es Salaam
According to Owino, Mr Ogutu was a teacher who had lived in Dar es Salaam for over ten years. His family reports that he was caught up in violent skirmishes following Tanzania's recent elections.
The general elections were held on 29 October. The family claims a contact in Dar es Salaam informed them of the devastating news. Mr Ogutu was reportedly shot on election day.
A widely disputed election sparked the protests in Tanzania. The Independent National Electoral Commission announced the incumbent president won with 97.66% of the vote.
Authorities, including police and military, responded to the protests with force. Reports include the use of tear gas and live ammunition.
A Call for Repatriation and Justice
The primary concern for Mr Ogutu’s family is the whereabouts of his remains. They are seeking help to trace his body for repatriation and burial.
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The family is currently in mourning at their home in Nairobi's Huruma estate.
“This distressing incident not only represents a grave injustice to one of our citizens but also raises serious questions regarding the safety and protection of Kenyans living and working abroad — particularly within the East African Community (EAC), where free movement, residence, and establishment are guaranteed under regional protocols.”
Mr Owino’s letter to the Foreign Affairs CS urges swift government intervention. He is pushing for both answers and accountability.
“The family has asked the government to help them identify the whereabouts of their loved one's body as they do not know where his body was taken,” Owino urged.
Widespread Unrest and Casualties
The situation in Tanzania remains tense after the disputed polls. The main opposition party, ChADEMA, claimed that approximately 700 people were killed in three days of election-related protests.
Other international groups have expressed grave concern. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said it received credible reports of at least 10 deaths.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights is also "extremely concerned by the reports of widespread turmoil". The Tanzanian government has faced criticism for a violent crackdown on demonstrators.
Government’s Next Steps
The MP’s letter asks CS Mudavadi to officially engage the Tanzanian government. The goal is to secure the teacher's body and ensure a thorough investigation into his death.
The political tension in Tanzania has directly impacted Kenyan families. Kenyan President William Ruto previously called for dialogue in Tanzania to maintain stability.
The deadly violence also led to the closure of the main border crossing at Namanga, causing trade disruption.
“Our foreign policy must always reflect our duty to protect the lives and dignity of our citizens wherever they may be,” Owino concluded.
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