Several Kenyans are feared dead in Tanzania following violent protests that erupted after the country’s disputed general election.
According to VOCAL Africa CEO and activist Hussein Khalid, at least one Kenyan, identified as John Okoth Ogutu, was allegedly shot dead in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, on October 29 the day Tanzanians went to the polls.
Ogutu, who worked as a teacher in Tanzania, is among several victims whose deaths have sparked concern across the region. His body is reportedly being preserved at the Mwananyamala Mortuary.
The unrest followed a contentious election marred by the disqualification of key opposition leaders, including Tundu Lissu of CHADEMA and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo. Opposition parties have rejected the reported 98 per cent victory of President Samia Suluhu, dismissing the 87 per cent voter turnout figure as “a fabrication.”
Protests have since spread from Dar es Salaam to Namanga, where security forces blocked a group of Kenyans attempting to cross the border to join demonstrators. Reports indicate police have continued using excessive force to suppress dissent.
While official figures remain unclear, CHADEMA claims about 700 people have been killed, while diplomatic sources estimate at least 500 deaths in the ongoing clashes.
Khalid and other rights defenders are now urging the Kenyan and Tanzanian governments to ensure the safety of citizens caught in the violence and to launch an independent probe into the killings.
