A Kenyan family in Siaya is mourning the death of its kin, John Okoth, who died in Tanzania on October 29 during post-election unrest.
“I told him that I’m growing old and heading to the grave. You are the one taking over now,” Celestine recounted.
“He laughed and sent me so much love and blessings.”
She described him as a humble, loving man who respected his elders and often avoided conflict.
“He never argued with adults. Even when we disagreed, he would say, ‘You are older than me; I can’t argue with you,’ and simply walk away,” she said.
According to Celestine, his brother died in Ubungo District in Dar es Salaam, and his body was taken to the Mwananyamala Mortuary.
The family is now appealing to the Kenyan government for assistance.
Also Read: Tanzania Post-Election Crisis: Deaths and Chaos After Suluhu’s Solo Race
Hussein Khalid Identifies Kenyan Killed in Tanzania Protests
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid had confirmed on Sunday, November 2, that Ogutu was shot in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam.
“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 that John was working as a teacher at Sky Schools.
Also Read: Kenyan Journalist Arrested by Tanzanian Authorities Amid Election Unrest
Tanzania’s Post-Election Violence
Violent demonstrations and roadblocks erupted across major Tanzanian cities, prompting authorities to impose a nationwide curfew as tensions flared during and after the elections.
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 confirmed that access to social media and mobile internet was restricted across several cities during and after the vote.
CHADEMA, Tanzania’s main opposition party, told AFP on Friday, October 31, 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” who 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.
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