A Kenyan was shot dead in Tanzania as protests broke out on Wednesday, October 29, during the country’s general election.
According to Vocal Africa CEO and human rights activist Hussein Khalid, who shared the news on Sunday, November 2, via his official X account, the deceased has been identified as John Okoth Ogutu, a teacher at Sky Schools in Tanzania.
Hussein Khalid Identifies Kenyan Killed in Tanzania Protests
Khalid said Ogutu was shot in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, and that his body is currently lying at the Mwananyamala morgue.
“We are receiving reports that there are Kenyans who have been killed in Tanzania,” Hussein Khalid said.
“Below is one of them: Name: John Okoth Ogutu. When shot and killed: 29th October 2025. Place of shooting: Ubungo, Dar es Salaam.Body at: Mwananyamala Morgue.”
He added, ” John was working as a teacher at Sky Schools.”
Also Read: UK Warns of Food, Fuel and Cash Shortages in Tanzania After Election Protests
The election for president and parliament set off days of violent protests as demonstrators took to the streets of major cities to protest against the barring or prevention of Samia Suluhu’s main rivals from running and what they described as widespread repression.
Despite a heavy security presence, election day descended into chaos, with some demonstrators tearing down banners of Hassan and setting fire to government buildings, while police fired tear gas and gunshots, according to reports quoting witnesses.
Internet connectivity watchdog NetBlocks said access to social media and mobile internet was restricted across several cities during and after the vote.
Hundreds Feared Dead in Tanzania Unrest
Chadema party, which was barred from the elections, told AFP on Friday that “about 700” people had been killed, based on figures gathered from a network checking hospitals and health clinics.
On Saturday, Chadema spokesperson John Kitoka said the party’s monitors had reported “no less than 800 people” were killed by security forces in protests this week.
Meanwhile, the UN human rights office said credible reports indicated at least 10 people were killed in three cities.
Also Read: Tanzania Protests: Samia Suluhu’s Mistakes and Lessons for the Region
UN Issues Warning as Tanzania Protests Turned Deadly
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the situation in Tanzania following the general elections held on October 29, citing reports of deaths and injuries during demonstrations.
In a statement issued on Friday by his spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General stated that he “deplores the loss of life and extends his condolences to the families of the victims.”
“He underscores the critical importance of safeguarding fundamental rights, notably the right of peaceful assembly and to freedom of expression, including access to information,” the statement said.
The UN chief also called for accountability over the reported incidents of violence, urging authorities to ensure impartial investigations.
Earlier, on Saturday, October 1, Tanzania’s electoral commission chief, Jacobs Mwambegele, declared Samia “the winner of the presidential election.”
Samia secured approximately 31.9 million votes, or 97.66% of the total, with turnout reaching nearly 87% of the country’s 37.6 million registered voters, the electoral chief stated.
No protests were reported on Saturday morning, but tension remained high in Dar es Salaam, where security forces manned roadblocks across the port city.
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