By Linet Amuli - Reporter
Kenya, 22 November 2025 - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated its commitment to helping the family of the late John Okoth Ogutu, a Kenyan teacher who died in Tanzania during post-election disturbances, finally bring his remains back home.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said the government is closely following up on the matter and is determined to resolve the delays that Ogutu’s family has endured for weeks.
Sing’Oei disclosed that he held a meeting with Ogutu’s relatives earlier this week to express condolences and to brief them on the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
According to the PS, the ministry has intensified communication with Tanzanian authorities to establish the exact circumstances surrounding Ogutu’s death and locate his remains.
“I met with the family of the late John Okoth Ogutu, a Kenyan teacher who tragically died during the unrest that followed the recent elections in Dar es Salaam,” Sing’Oei said.
“We assured them that the government is fully committed to tracing and repatriating the body of our departed national.”
His statement, released on Saturday sought to address rising public concern over reports suggesting that bureaucratic delays within the newly formed Tanzanian government may have slowed down the repatriation process.
A number of Kenyans had begun questioning why the matter remained unresolved even after Tanzania completed the appointment of new cabinet officials.
For Ogutu’s family, the wait has been agonising.
They have repeatedly appealed for government intervention, insisting that they need closure and a chance to bury their loved one with dignity.
The family has also raised alarm over uncertainties surrounding the whereabouts of Ogutu’s body.
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Initially, they were informed that the remains had been transferred to Mwanyamala mortuary in Dar es Salaam.
However, when colleagues and family members visited the facility, they were shocked to learn that his body was not there, deepening fears and frustration.
Ogutu is believed to be among the numerous civilians who lost their lives during the wave of violence that followed Tanzania’s election.
Opposition groups in the country have alleged that the clashes amounted to a state-led crackdown and have urged the United Nations to investigate what they describe as a “massacre” under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership.
These concerns have also attracted the attention of the United Nations Human Rights Office, which has called for prompt, impartial, and transparent investigations into all killings linked to the unrest.
The UN has urged Tanzanian authorities to ensure that families of victims, such as Ogutu’s, receive clear answers and justice.
Back home, Sing’Oei emphasised that Kenya will not relent until Ogutu’s remains are found and returned.
He assured the family that President William Ruto’s administration is using all diplomatic avenues available, including direct engagement with Tanzanian officials, to fast-track the process.
For now, the family remains hopeful that the government’s renewed commitment will finally bring an end to their painful wait and provide them with the closure they desperately need.
