Gov't confirms Kenyan teacher killed in Tanzania as family seeks justice

The government has for the first time confirmed that a Kenyan national was shot and killed during the recent post-election unrest in Tanzania.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, however, said the state is taking all necessary steps to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of 33-year-old John Okoth Ogutu, a Kenyan teacher who had been living and working in Tanzania.

His remarks come amid growing frustration from the victim’s family, who say they have been taken in circles by officials at the Tanzanian High Commission in Nairobi as they seek answers and support for the repatriation of the body. 

This is, even as the grieving family of Ogutu returned to the Tanzanian High Commission along Taifa Road in Nairobi for the second time this week, clinging to the hope of receiving news on the repatriation of their loved one’s remains…

But their hopes were dashed once more, as officials instructed them to return on Monday — just as they had been told four days earlier.

"Tumewasilisha barua kwa government tupate usaidizi lakini hatujapata… pia kutoka huko hatupati tena communication," said Ogutu’s sister, Jenniffer Atieno.

Ogutu’s brother Evans Ochieng’ Odhiambo added, "Tulileta barua Monday hapa kwa High Commission wakachukua number zetu hadi saa hii hatujapata taarifa kuhusu kupatikana kwa mwili ama bado."

A disturbing video clip has compounded the family’s anguish, they say was sent by a colleague of Ogutu at Sky Primary School in Kinondoni District in Dar es Salaam. The footage, which is yet to be authenticated, allegedly shows the 33-year-old teacher lying motionless in a pool of blood.

"Huyu ni mwalimu; kama hajakufa na ndio huyu. Akiwa amekufa, unaeza angalia hii clip vizuri, ni sura yake," said Evans.

Jenniffer on her part stated, "Tulipata video yake akiwa amepigwa na kuanguka chini… mwili hatujapata kwa ile mortuary."

Mounting pressure from human rights groups and a section of lawmakers prompted the Kenyan government on Thursday to break its silence and confirm the fatal shooting, which occurred during post-election unrest in Tanzania. Authorities say investigations are now underway to ensure justice is served.

"I rise to request a statement from the ministry on the unfortunate incident. It is a matter of grave national concern as it touches on the security of Kenyans living abroad. I seek circumstances under which this teacher was shot and killed," Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said on the floor of the House.

As Ogutu’s family waits anxiously to bring him home for a dignified burial, questions continue to loom over the safety and welfare of Kenyans living and working in the neighbouring country.

Ogutu, who had lived in Dar es Salaam for more than a decade, was reportedly caught up in the violent skirmishes that erupted after the polls.

The teacher at Sky School Primary in the Kinondoni District in Dar es Salaam was said to have been preparing to travel back home as tensions escalated.

According to the family, a contact in Dar es Salaam relayed the devastating news that Ogutu had been shot at Goba Centre in Ubungo District as protests escalated shortly after the election on October 29.