Rights group, MP Babu Owino, call for urgent state intervention over Kenyans affected by Tanzanian poll violence

The unrest in Tanzania, which erupted across major cities and border towns, has disrupted trade routes, triggered fuel shortages in neighbouring countries, and raised regional concerns over stability and governance. (Photo: DW)

By Rachael Mutabasi
Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has written to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, expressing concern over the reported killing of Ogutu.

Human rights group Vocal Africa has called on the Kenyan government to intervene urgently after two Kenyan citizens were reportedly caught up in post-election violence in Tanzania.

According to the rights group, John Okoth Ogutu, a teacher at Sky Schools in Dar es Salaam, was shot dead on October 29, 2025. His body, initially taken to Mwananyamala Hospital morgue, has since gone missing, causing deep distress to his family.

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"We have received alarming reports that when his colleagues and friends went to view the body in the last two days, it was missing, and its current whereabouts remain unknown. This situation has caused immense distress to his family, who are desperate for closure and the dignified return of their loved one's remains," said Vocal Africa CEO, Hussein Khalid, in a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The group also raised concerns about Fredrick Obuya Lorent, 29, who was arrested on October 31 while travelling to Zanzibar for work.

"Lorent was en route to Zanzibar for work-related travel when he was detained, and his last known location was Oyster Bay Police Station. We are concerned that he has been denied access to legal representation and communication with his family, raising fears over his safety and well-being," said the rights group.

Vocal Africa has urged the Ministry to engage Tanzanian authorities urgently to locate Ogutu’s body and to ensure Lorent receives fair treatment in line with international human rights standards and obligations under the East African Community Treaty.

The group noted that, unlike the unresolved matter of Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, it is their sincere hope that the Ministry will treat these issues with the seriousness, urgency, and sensitivity they deserve, and move swiftly to ensure justice and accountability.

"Your timely intervention will not only safeguard the rights of these two Kenyan citizens but will also demonstrate Kenya's commitment to protecting its nationals abroad, especially in moments of crisis," said the rights group.

At the same time, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has written to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, expressing concern over the reported killing of Ogutu.

Babu described the incident as a “grave injustice” and called for a transparent investigation.

He demanded the repatriation of Ogutu’s remains at the cost of the Kenyan government and consular support for the grieving family.

Owino also requested that the Ministry present a statement to Parliament detailing measures to protect Kenyan citizens living and working abroad, especially within the East African Community.

"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," stated Babu.