The National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee has resolved to seek further clarification from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs over the death of a Kenyan engineer in Mozambique, after finding the government’s initial response insufficient.
The committee, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, said it would engage the ministry again to obtain comprehensive information on the circumstances surrounding the death of Moses Robert Magotsi in Maputo on October 11, 2025.
The decision followed consideration of a response from the Foreign Affairs ministry to a statement sought by Saboti MP Caleb Amisi regarding the death of the Kenyan national.
Amisi had asked the ministry to explain the circumstances leading to Magotsi’s death, the cause of death and the status of investigations undertaken by the relevant authorities.
The MP also sought answers over the cremation of Magotsi’s body, saying it was allegedly carried out without the knowledge, consent or authorisation of his family.
He questioned whether established procedures governing the handling of the remains of Kenyans who die abroad had been followed.
Amisi further requested the ministry to clarify the circumstances surrounding the cremation and whether authorities had launched investigations into the concerns raised regarding the matter.
The legislator also sought details on the measures the ministry was taking to ensure the deceased’s family receives all relevant documents relating to the case and to facilitate the repatriation of his remains to Kenya for burial.
In addition, Amisi requested an explanation of the legal safeguards and diplomatic procedures governing the deaths of Kenyans outside the country, including the repatriation or disposal of remains, and whether the handling of Magotsi’s case complied with applicable laws and protocols.
After reviewing the ministry’s response, members of the committee concluded that several issues remained unresolved.
"The Committee observed that additional information was needed to adequately address the issues raised in the statement request," a statement from Parliament said.
Consequently, the lawmakers resolved to summon the ministry for further engagement before making a final determination on the matter.
The committee said the additional clarification would help establish whether all legal and diplomatic procedures were followed in the handling of the case and whether the concerns raised by the deceased’s family had been adequately addressed.
The matter now returns to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, which is expected to furnish Parliament with more detailed information on the investigations, the cremation process and the steps taken to support the family of the late engineer.
