Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has assured the family of the late John Okoth Ogutu of the Kenyan government’s commitment to repatriate his remains from Tanzania. Ogutu, a Kenyan school teacher, was among those who lost their lives during the post-electoral disturbances in Dar es Salaam.
Sing’Oei, speaking during a colloquium on Kenya’s foreign policy review on July 30, 2024, said he met the family to console them and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to bring Ogutu’s body back home.
“Met the family of the late John Okoth Ogutu, a school teacher in Tanzania, who lost his life during the post-electoral disturbances in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Assured them of the government’s commitment to finding and repatriating the remains of our late national,” Sing’Oei said.
In a statement released on Saturday, November 21, the PS explained that President William Ruto’s administration would engage all diplomatic and procedural channels with the Tanzanian government to ensure Ogutu’s body is returned promptly. He cited delays in the repatriation process, attributing them to the recent swearing-in of Tanzania’s new government officials.
The delay had sparked concern among Kenyans and prompted questions about the government’s silence on the matter, especially following the formation of Tanzania’s new cabinet.
Ogutu’s family has persistently called for intervention, seeking justice and a dignified burial for their kin. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, but his family has urged thorough investigations into the killing.
Earlier reports indicated that Ogutu’s body was taken to the Mwanyamala mortuary. However, when colleagues visited, it was not available, intensifying the family’s distress.
Ogutu was among hundreds reportedly killed during the post-election violence in Tanzania. The opposition has called on the United Nations to investigate what they described as a massacre under President Samia Suluhu’s government. The UN Human Rights Commission has also urged immediate and comprehensive investigations into the post-election killings.
The Kenyan government, through PS Sing’Oei, has reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice and repatriation, signaling continued diplomatic engagement with Tanzania on this sensitive matter
