Kenya, Tanzania in talks over safety of Kenyans amid post-election unrest

The Government of Kenya has initiated high-level diplomatic engagement with Tanzania to address concerns over the safety and welfare of Kenyan nationals living in the country following incidents of post-election violence that left several people dead, including a Kenyan teacher.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, on Thursday held consultations with Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, in Dar es Salaam.

According to a statement, the discussions centred on the welfare of Kenyans residing in Tanzania, particularly in light of recent unrest and reports of human rights violations.

“The Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all foreign nationals, including members of the Kenyan diaspora community, who continue to contribute to Tanzania's economic development through legitimate business activities and professional services,” the statement read in part.

CS Mudavadi acknowledged that there have been reported cases where the rights of Kenyans were infringed upon, noting that the specific incidents have been formally submitted to the Tanzanian government for action.

He also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to protecting its nationals abroad while strengthening bilateral ties with Tanzania and advancing the broader East African integration agenda.

Both countries agreed that any arising incidents will be handled through established diplomatic and consular channels in accordance with international law and the East African Community Common Market Protocol.

“Both Ministers underscored their shared determination to maintain the exemplary cooperation that has characterised Kenya-Tanzania relations for decades,” the statement added.

His remarks come amid heavy criticism of the Tanzanian government after a family of a Kenyan teacher, John Okoth Ogutu, raised alarm following his alleged killing during post-election violence in Dar es Salaam.

Ogutu, a 33-year-old teacher at Sky School Primary in Kinondoni District, was reportedly shot dead at Goba Centre in Ubungo District as police opened fire on civilians during demonstrations that followed the October 29 general election. Human Rights reports say that hundreds more were killed during the post-election violence.

The Kenyan High Commission in Dar es Salaam later reassured citizens of their safety, urging them to remain calm, observe local laws, and report any security concerns through its official contacts.

The Mission, which has since resumed normal operations following the lifting of curfew restrictions, reiterated that “the welfare of Kenyans residing in Tanzania remains a top priority.”

President Samia Suluhu was sworn in on October 3 after elections marred by protests and allegations of state brutality. Human rights defenders, including the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) and the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), have condemned the killings and arbitrary arrests witnessed in several regions across the country.