Photo Of Kenyan Teacher Killed in Tanzania as Govt Issues Update

The government has assured the family of John Okoth Ogutu, a Kenyan teacher killed in Tanzania, that it is committed to bringing his body back home for a proper burial.

Ogutu reportedly died during post-election unrest in Dar es Salaam on October 29, 2025.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei visited the Ogutu family to offer condolences and update them on efforts to repatriate the body.

“I met the family of the late John Okoth Ogutu, a school teacher in Tanzania, who lost his life during the post-electoral disturbances in Dar es Salaam,” said Sing’Oei.

He added, “I assured them of the government’s commitment to locating and returning the remains of our late national.” 

Sing’Oei explained that delays in the repatriation process were partly due to the recent formation of Tanzania’s new cabinet.

He confirmed that President William Ruto’s administration is working through diplomatic and procedural channels with Tanzanian authorities to ensure the body is returned to Kenya.

The Ogutu family had grown increasingly concerned over the delay. They initially reported that the body had been taken to Mwanyamala mortuary, but when colleagues visited, it was not available.

The family has also called for investigations into Ogutu’s death, emphasizing that he was a valued member of the community who carried the family’s hopes.

Ogutu was among hundreds of people killed during Tanzania’s post-election violence. The opposition in Tanzania has urged the United Nations to investigate what they describe as a massacre under President Samia Suluhu’s government.

In response, the UN Human Rights Commission has called for prompt and thorough investigations into the killings.

The Kenyan government has faced pressure from the public and Ogutu’s family to act swiftly. Citizens have expressed concern about the silence surrounding the repatriation process, especially after Tanzania formed its new cabinet.

The government’s assurance aims to restore confidence that all efforts are being made to bring Ogutu’s remains home.

Korir Sing’Oei emphasized that the government is treating the matter with urgency.

“We are committed to ensuring that our late national receives a dignified return and burial,” he said.

He also noted that the administration is using all available diplomatic channels to coordinate with Tanzanian authorities for the repatriation.