Eight Kenyans Detained in Tanzania After Post-Election Protests Released, CS Mudavadi Confirms
He also highlighted the unresolved case of Kenyan teacher John Ogutu, who was shot dead in Dar es Salaam’s Ubongo District. “He was a teacher at Sky Schools. His body has not been traced to date. A comprehensive list of those affected will be released in a written statement,” Mudavadi stated
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has confirmed the release of eight Kenyans who were arrested and detained in various police stations across Tanzania following the deadly protests that erupted after the October 29 General Election, in which President Samia Suluhu claimed 98% of the vote
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, CS Mudavadi said the government continues to work tirelessly to secure the release of three Kenyans still in custody two in Arusha and one at the Dar es Salaam Police Station
He also highlighted the unresolved case of Kenyan teacher John Ogutu, who was shot dead in Dar es Salaam’s Ubongo District. “He was a teacher at Sky Schools. His body has not been traced to date. A comprehensive list of those affected will be released in a written statement,” Mudavadi stated
The CS further praised diplomatic efforts with Uganda that secured the release of two activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who had been held incommunicado for 38 days before being reunited with their families
Mudavadi also noted ongoing bilateral interventions with Saudi Arabia to assist mothers with undocumented children. Through the Mobile Consular Services (MCS) program, the government has collected 707 DNA samples to verify parenthood and facilitate the issuance of birth certificates, enabling repatriation
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Addressing the broader issue of Kenyans detained abroad, Mudavadi cautioned that freedoms enjoyed in Kenya may not apply in other countries. He urged citizens, particularly the youth, to exercise caution on social media, noting that foreign governments increasingly review online content before issuing visas
“There is a growing tendency where Kenyans leave the country without understanding the legal landscape of their destinations. Many end up on the wrong side of the law. The freedom we enjoy here is not guaranteed elsewhere,” he said
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
