The Kenyan government has confirmed that John Okoth Ogutu, a 33-year-old Kenyan teacher based in Tanzania, was shot and killed during post-election unrest in Dar es Salaam — sparking grief, anger, and growing demands for justice.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo on Thursday publicly acknowledged the death, marking the first official statement on the matter.
He said Kenyan authorities were coordinating with their Tanzanian counterparts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure accountability.
“It is an unfortunate incident following the commotion that occurred. A contact has been established in Dar es Salaam, and I want to assure the family that the case will be handled in a respectful and transparent manner,” said Dr. Omollo.
Family in agony as repatriation delays continue
Ogutu’s family in Nairobi says they have been living through a nightmare — shuttling between offices and making unanswered calls in search of help to bring their loved one’s body home.
They accuse officials at the Tanzanian High Commission in Nairobi of giving them conflicting information and little assistance despite repeated visits.
“We submitted a formal request for support, but we haven’t received any help or clear communication,” said Ogutu’s sister, Jenniffer Atieno, outside the High Commission offices along Taifa Road.
Her brother, Evans Ochieng’ Odhiambo, echoed the frustration:
“We came here on Monday and left our contact information. Until now, we’ve received no update about the body or the progress of investigations.”
A haunting video and unanswered questions
The family’s anguish deepened when a disturbing video allegedly showing Ogutu lying motionless in a pool of blood surfaced on social media.
The clip, reportedly sent by a colleague from Sky Primary School in Kinondoni District, where Ogutu worked, has not been independently verified — but relatives insist the man in the footage is him.
“That is my brother,” said Evans. “If he’s dead, that’s his face in the video. If he’s alive, then let the authorities prove otherwise.”
Jenniffer added tearfully, “We saw the video of him being beaten and collapsing, but we still haven’t located his body in any mortuary.”
Government and MPs call for full investigation
Human rights groups and several lawmakers have since joined the family’s call for justice. On the floor of Parliament, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino demanded that the Ministry of Interior table a detailed report on Ogutu’s killing and the safety of Kenyans living abroad.
“It is a matter of grave national concern,” said Owino. “We need to know the circumstances under which this teacher was shot and what measures are being taken to protect other Kenyans working in Tanzania.”
Authorities in Dar es Salaam are said to be conducting a joint inquiry into the fatal shooting, which occurred on October 29 amid post-election protests in the Ubungo District, near Goba Centre.
A life cut short
Ogutu, originally from Siaya County, had lived and worked in Tanzania for over a decade. Friends describe him as a dedicated teacher passionate about shaping young minds.
He was reportedly planning to travel back to Kenya for a short visit when violence erupted after the polls.
His employer at Sky Primary School confirmed that Ogutu had reported feeling unsafe in the days leading up to his death.
“He said he might return home if the situation worsened,” said one colleague who requested anonymity. “We didn’t think it would end like this.”
Diplomatic tension and safety concerns
The tragedy has renewed scrutiny over the safety of Kenyan nationals working in Tanzania and other neighboring countries. Dozens of teachers, health workers, and businesspeople have voiced fears following the unrest.
The Kenyan and Tanzanian governments are said to be in bilateral discussions to strengthen protection mechanisms for expatriates and improve emergency response coordination during crises.
For Ogutu’s family, however, such assurances bring little comfort. Their priority remains bringing their son home for a dignified burial and finding justice for his death.
“We just want closure,” Jenniffer said quietly. “Let him come home, and let the truth be told.”
