A Kenyan family is in deep mourning after their loved one, a Kenyan teacher based in Tanzania, was reportedly killed during the post-election unrest that rocked Dar es Salaam.
The deceased, 33-year-old John Okoth Ogutu, had lived and worked in Tanzania for more than ten years. He was a teacher at Sky School Primary in Kinondoni District, where he commanded respect from both colleagues and students. Ogutu had planned to travel back home to Kenya as tensions escalated following the disputed elections, but tragedy struck before he could leave.
According to his family, a contact in Dar es Salaam informed them that Ogutu had been shot at Goba Centre in Ubungo District as protests turned violent shortly after the October 29 election. His relatives now fear that his body may be missing amid reports of chaotic scenes in local morgues.
“Vita ilianza tukapata habari kwamba amepigwa risasi,” said his sister, Jennifer Otieno, describing the moment the family learned of his death.
His brother, Benard Brian, expressed the family’s anguish, saying, “Tumepatwa na huzuni sana… Wakenya wanadhulumiwa. Ndugu yetu hakuwa mhalifu. Tunapata simu kutoka wenzetu.”
Family members insist that Ogutu was not part of the demonstrations. Instead, he and other teachers were reportedly clearing out from the school, preparing to travel home to Kenya.
“Wakati tulimpigia simu tuliambiwa ilikuwa kikundi kikubwa… walipelekwa mortuary siku ya leo wakasema hawajapata mwili hata moja,” Jennifer said tearfully.
Another brother, Evans Odhiambo, added, “Walikuwa wanapanga kurudi Kenya. Kama inawezekana watu wetu waende huko tupate vitu vyetu na mwili tukuje tuzike.”
Eyewitnesses say police fired at civilians during the fracas and Ogutu was among those shot dead. His body was reportedly taken to Mwananyamala Mortuary in Kinondoni, but his relatives say they cannot trace him.
“Hawataki itambulike ni watu wangapi walizikwa,” Evans lamented. Jennifer added, “Tunaomba serikali itusaidie hata tupate mwili uletwe kwa border kwa sababu itakuwa ata vigumu kuamini.”
Despite visiting the Tanzania High Commission and contacting Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the family says they have received no clear information about Ogutu’s remains or the fate of other Kenyans affected by the unrest.
“Nilienda embassy wakaniambia watanipigia simu,” Evans said, frustration evident in his voice.
The family now pleads for government intervention to help repatriate Ogutu’s body and bring closure to their devastating loss.
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