Nairobi Demands Answers Over Missing Bodies

NAIROBI, KENYA – The Kenyan government has confirmed that two of its citizens were killed in Tanzania during the violent aftermath of the neighbouring country's disputed general election, and their bodies remain missing, intensifying diplomatic pressure on Dar es Salaam. Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, stated on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, that the government is actively engaging with Tanzanian authorities to locate the remains and secure justice for the victims.

One of the deceased has been identified as John Ogutu, a teacher at Sky Schools in Dar es Salaam. He was reportedly shot dead at Goba Centre in the Ubungo District on the evening of October 29, 2025, as post-election protests erupted. The identity of the second slain Kenyan has not been officially released by the government, though some reports have identified a man named Albert Kamala, who was allegedly arrested on election day in Moshi and later found dead. “The Ministry is deeply concerned that the body of Ogutu has not been traced to date,” Mudavadi told journalists during a briefing in Nairobi.

A Climate of Fear and Scapegoating

The killings occurred against a backdrop of widespread unrest following the October 29 polls, in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with a contested 98% of the vote. The subsequent crackdown on protests has led to hundreds, possibly thousands, of deaths, according to opposition parties and human rights observers. The United Nations has called for a thorough investigation into the killings and has raised alarm over reports of authorities attempting to conceal evidence by removing bodies from mortuaries to undisclosed locations.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya and Vocal Africa, have condemned the violence and expressed grave concern that Kenyans are being used as scapegoats for the internal political crisis. In a joint statement on November 7, 2025, the groups decried statements from Tanzanian officials blaming foreigners for the violence, noting that such claims “present serious risks to the safety of Kenyans and other foreign nationals.” An estimated 20,000 Kenyans reside and work in Tanzania.

Kenyans in the Crosshairs

Beyond the two fatalities, numerous other Kenyans have been caught up in the crackdown. Secretary Mudavadi confirmed that eight Kenyans who had been arrested in various police stations across Tanzania have since been released without charge. However, three others remain in custody. The government has identified them as Samuel Kagila, a tour operator; Stephen Ndung'u, a businessman; and George Madila Odiambo, who are being held in Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

Kenyans who have returned from Tanzania have recounted harrowing ordeals of arbitrary arrest and torture in detention facilities. One businessman, speaking anonymously, claimed he was detained for eight days at Oyster Bay Police Station in Dar es Salaam simply for being Kenyan. These accounts paint a grim picture for foreign nationals amid the ongoing security operation.

Diplomatic and Regional Implications

The situation presents a significant diplomatic challenge for Kenya, a key trading partner and fellow member of the East African Community (EAC). Nairobi has stressed its commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties while demanding accountability and the protection of its citizens. The Kenyan High Commission in Dar es Salaam is providing consular support, including assistance with visa amnesty requests and repatriation for those wishing to leave.

The crisis has drawn criticism from regional and international bodies. Observers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) stated the election fell short of democratic principles. The silence of some regional leaders has been contrasted by calls for action from human rights groups and the UN. As families in Kenya await news of their loved ones' remains, the pressure mounts on both the Kenyan and Tanzanian governments to resolve these unresolved cases and ensure the safety of all Kenyans within Tanzania's borders. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.