Diplomatic Channels Activated Over Tanzania Incidents

NAIROBI, KENYA – The Government of Kenya has initiated high-level diplomatic talks with Tanzania following distressing reports of mistreatment, unlawful detention, and the death of Kenyan citizens in the wake of Tanzania's disputed October 29, 2025, general election. Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, confirmed on Thursday, November 6, 2025, that he held consultations with his Tanzanian counterpart, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo. [6, 12] In a statement, Mudavadi’s office affirmed that formal reports concerning incidents where the rights of Kenyan nationals were infringed have been submitted to Tanzanian authorities for investigation and action. [2, 8, 17]

The diplomatic engagement follows the reported killing of John Okoth Ogutu, a 33-year-old Kenyan teacher, who was allegedly caught in crossfire as security forces dispersed protestors in Dar es Salaam. [11] Human rights organizations and the family of Ogutu have since appealed to both governments to facilitate the repatriation of his body and ensure a thorough investigation. [16] In response to the diplomatic outreach, the Tanzanian government has reportedly assured Kenya that all foreign residents conducting lawful activities will continue to receive full protection under its laws. [6, 11] Both nations have agreed to handle such matters through established diplomatic and consular channels, in line with international law and East African Community (EAC) protocols. [6, 12]

A Pattern of Crises and Criticism

Despite these diplomatic assurances, the government faces mounting criticism from opposition leaders and human rights groups for what they term a slow and inadequate response to the plight of Kenyans abroad. [9, 24] Several organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya and Vocal Africa, have faulted the government for an apparent silence on the killings and mistreatment, urging more decisive action to protect its citizens. [16, 27] The Justice and Freedom Party (JFP) has accused the administration of President William Ruto of a “reckless foreign policy” that leaves Kenyans vulnerable. [9] This criticism is not limited to the situation in Tanzania. On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, a report by The New York Times highlighted the harrowing conditions of Kenyan domestic workers and their undocumented children trapped in Saudi Arabia’s kafala system. [25] The report detailed cases of abuse, withheld wages, and bureaucratic neglect. Mudavadi’s ministry responded by stating it was pursuing “bilateral interventions” and had collected 707 DNA samples under its Mobile Consular Services to process birth certificates and facilitate repatriation for affected mothers and children. [25] Earlier in the year, the government also engaged in what Mudavadi termed “open and constructive communication” to secure the release of two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who were detained in Uganda for over a month. [28]

Strengthening Diaspora Policy Amid Economic Reliance

These incidents place a sharp focus on Kenya's foreign policy and its mechanisms for citizen protection. The government has established a State Department for Diaspora Affairs, headed by Principal Secretary Roseline K. Njogu, and recently launched the Kenya Diaspora Policy 2024. [3, 19, 21] Speaking at the Second World Summit on Social Development in Doha, Qatar, on November 5, 2025, PS Njogu outlined a strategy focused on negotiating stronger Bilateral Labour Agreements (BLAs), establishing in-country protection mechanisms, and providing pre-departure training for migrant workers. [3, 10] President Ruto, also speaking in Doha, announced measures to streamline passport processing for Kenyans with job offers abroad and the deregistration of over 600 rogue recruitment agencies. [14]

The emphasis on diaspora welfare is underscored by the significant economic contributions of the estimated three million Kenyans living abroad. [13] Remittances are Kenya's leading source of foreign exchange, with cumulative inflows for the 12 months to June 2025 reaching $5.084 billion (Ksh 657.30 billion), a 12.1% increase from the previous year, according to the Central Bank of Kenya. [20] The United States remains the largest source of these funds. [20, 23] This economic reliance makes the safety and security of the diaspora not just a consular issue, but a matter of critical national interest. While the government points to a new policy framework and recent diplomatic interventions as proof of its commitment, the recurring crises from Tanzania to Saudi Arabia continue to test the effectiveness of these measures and the state's fundamental duty to protect its citizens, wherever they may be. [24, 27]