Gov't releases identities of 3 Kenyans still held in Tanzania amid post-election violence

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released the names of Kenyans still in Tanzanian custody, admitting its citizens were caught up in the fracas that erupted in parts of Tanzania during and after the elections.

The Kenyans, three alive and two dead, were part of 13 caught up in the fracas in the neighbouring country last month. Eight of the country's citizens were arrested and released without charge.

However, Samuel Kagila, a tour operator, Stephen Ndung'u, a businessman, and George Madila Odiambo are still in police custody in Arusha and Dar es Salaam, respectively.

Two other Kenyans, John Ogutu and Albert Kamala — a Kenyan of dual citizenship with Tanzania — were killed in Tanzania.

This comes as some Tanzanian opposition leaders arrived in the country to seek asylum in Kenya following the political upheaval in their country.

The government’s admission comes as the treason trial of Chadema’s leader Tundu Lissu came up for hearing in Tanzania.

The court was expected to hear from a state witness from the security sector on condition of anonymity, but the opposition leader objected to that.

“Lazima haki ionekane imetendeka kikamilifu na izingatiwe, kama shahidi anafichwa hata jaji hamuoni na hamjui ni nani, huenda akawa shahidi wa kubandikizwa au wakawa bandia au akawa mchongo ambaye unaweza kuingizwa katika kivuli kile, kwa vile upande pekee unaomfahamu shahidi huyo ni upande wa mashtaka pekee," Lissu’s lawyer said.

The case was adjourned to a later date, as the opposition party, Chadema’s leadership, maintained that the government of the day would be held accountable for the atrocities committed against those deemed to be opposed to it.

“Hili jambo la watu wetu waliouwawa, Watanzania waliouwawa, hata nani ajidanganye halitafichika, halitakubalikwa, hata mawe yatazungumza," Chadema Deputy Party Leader John Heche said.

Their sentiments come as the United Nations Human Rights Office raised concerns about the President Samia Suluhu-led government’s crackdown on perceived dissidents, which included mass killings, abductions, and disappearances.

“Forces have been seen removing bodies from streets and hospitals and taking them to undisclosed locations to conceal evidence. We strongly urge the government to provide information on the fate and whereabouts of all those missing, and to hand over the bodies of all those killed to their families so that they can be given dignified burials," UNHR Nairobi Spokesperson Seif Magango stated.

Those atrocities are now becoming even clearer with first-hand narration coming from those fleeing persecution in Tanzania. A couple of Chadema officials seeking safety in Kenya say the situation in their country is getting worse by the day.

“Tanzania iko katika bonde la uvuli wa mauti, utawala wa Rais Samia tangu aingie madarakani umekuwa wa kinyama sana. Mamia ya vijana wa Tanzania wametekwa na kuuawa," Chadema Central Committee Member, Rose Mayemba said.

Chadema Director of Organisation and Training John Pambalu added, “Kulikuwa na polisi waliovaa mavazi ya kawaida, wanagonga milango wanaingia kwa nyumba, wakipata ni vijana ndani wanawatoa nje wanawaua. So ni zaidi ya maandamano.”

At the same time, Kenyan and other regional leaders have been faulted for turning a blind eye to events unfolding in Tanzania.