8 Kenyans arrested in Tanzania after post-election chaos released: CS Mudavadi

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has confirmed the release of eight Kenyans who were arrested and detained in different police stations across Tanzania following the deadly protests that erupted after the October 29 General Election, which President Samia Suluhu won with 98 per cent of the vote.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, the CS explained that the government is working round the clock to secure the freedom of three Kenyans who are still in custody.

He noted that two of the Kenyans are being held in Arusha, while the third is being held at the Dar es Salaam Police Station. 

Further, Mudavadi pointed out that the case involving Kenyan teacher John Ogutu, who was shot dead in Ubongo District, Dar es Salaam, is still unresolved. 

"He was a teacher at Sky Schools. His body has not been traced to date. The list of those affected is in the comprehensive written statement to be released," Mudavadi stated. 

The CS also heaped praise on the high-level diplomatic engagements between Kenya and Uganda, which led to the release of two activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who had been held incommunicado for 38 days.

"The ministry closely monitored the case of two missing Kenyan nationals, Mr. Bob Njagi and Mr. Nicholas Oyoo, who disappeared on 1st October 2025. High-level diplomatic engagements between Kenya and Uganda eventually led to their release on Friday. They have since been reunited with their families," he noted. 

Mudavadi, who doubles as the Prime Cabinet Secretary, also noted that the government is pursuing bilateral interventions with the Saudi Arabian government to deal with the problem of mothers with undocumented children. 

Through a drive called Mobile Consular Services (MCS), he acknowledged that the government has conducted DNA tests and collected 707 samples.

Upon verification of parenthood, Mudavadi noted that the government processes birth certificates to facilitate the repatriation of the children with their mothers. 

Mudavadi's remarks come in the wake of a rising pattern of Kenyans being detained in foreign nations for not understanding the country's legal and constitutional frameworks. 

Recently, Mudavadi cautioned Kenyans that liberties enjoyed at home may not be guaranteed in other countries. 

“There is a growing tendency where Kenyans leave the country without appreciating the legal terrain of the places they are going to,” he said.

“Many end up on the wrong side of the law. We emphasize that the freedom we are experiencing in this country is not the same as in other countries.”

He added that the youth to be cautious on social media since it's increasingly being scrutinised by foreign governments. 

“There is now a tendency for social media checks before a visa is issued. Those found with negative content on their social media handles might lose opportunities in other countries," he pointed out.