Kenyans in Tanzania advised to remain vigilant as High Commission reopens
The advisory comes after human rights group Vocal Africa called on the Kenyan government to intervene following reports that two Kenyans were caught up in post-election violence in Tanzania.
Kenyans in Tanzania have been urged to remain vigilant and maintain close contact with authorities following the resumption of normal operations at the Kenya High Commission in Dar es Salaam.
In a statement on Wednesday, the High Commission said it is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and welfare of all Kenyan nationals in the country, urging them to report any threats immediately.
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“The Kenya High Commission in Dar es Salaam wishes to give reassurance to the Kenyan Community in Tanzania that the Mission has resumed normal operations following the lifting of the curfew and the restrictions put in place after the general elections in Tanzania. The welfare and safety of Kenyans residing in Tanzania remains a top priority for the Mission,” reads the statement.
The High Commission noted that it is in regular communication with Tanzanian authorities to guarantee the protection of Kenyan nationals and encouraged them to continue with lawful daily activities.
Kenyan nationals have been urged to remain calm, vigilant, observe local laws and promptly report any security concerns or distress cases to the Mission via telephone number +255 22 2668285/6.
The advisory comes after human rights group Vocal Africa called on the Kenyan government to intervene following reports that two Kenyans were caught up in post-election violence in Tanzania.
The group said 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.
“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,” Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid wrote in a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The group also raised concerns over 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,” the group said.
Vocal Africa called on the Ministry to urgently engage Tanzanian authorities to locate Ogutu’s body and ensure Lorent receives fair treatment under international human rights standards and the East African Community Treaty.
The group stressed the importance of treating these matters with the seriousness and urgency they deserve, unlike the unresolved case of Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo.
“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,” it said.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also wrote to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi expressing concern over Ogutu’s killing.
Owino described the incident as a “grave injustice” and called for a transparent investigation. Owino demanded that Ogutu’s remains be repatriated at the Kenyan government’s expense, alongside consular support for the grieving family.
“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,” Babu said.
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has claimed that about 700 people were killed during three days of unrest following the disputed general election.
Protests erupted on election day after opposition supporters accused the government of suppressing dissent and excluding key presidential contenders from the ballot.
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