Africa-Press – Tanzania. Kenya has moved to consolidate its diplomatic relations with neighbouring Tanzania and Uganda, reaffirming its commitment to regional cooperation even as it handles sensitive issues involving the welfare of its citizens abroad.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Wednesday said that the government continues to closely monitor the situation in Tanzania following its October 29 General Election, which triggered tensions over perceived foreign interference by non-state actors from Kenya.
Addressing journalists at the ministry headquarters during his Third Quarterly media briefing, Mudavadi confirmed the killing of a Kenyan national in Dar es Salaam and said authorities were working to trace his missing body.
He added that Nairobi was also pursuing the release of three other nationals still in custody.
According to Mudavadi, John Ogutu, a teacher at Sky Schools iHi Rabson in Dar es Salaam, was shot dead on October 29, around 7 pm at Goba Centre in Ubungo District during post-election unrest.
“The Ministry is deeply concerned that the body of Ogutu has not been traced to date,” Mudavadi said.
“We are engaging the Tanzanian authorities through our High Commission in Dar es Salaam to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and ensure justice for the victim’s family.”
He said the killing occurred amid heightened tension following the election.
Despite this, Prime CS affirmed that Kenya recognises President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration and remains committed to cooperation under the East African Community (EAC) framework, guided by principles of mutual respect and non-interference.
Mudavadi also confirmed that eight Kenyans arrested across Tanzania have been released, while three others remain in custody, two in Arusha and one in Dar es Salaam.
Nairobi, he said, continues to provide consular support, including visa amnesty requests and repatriation assistance to affected citizens.
“The safety and welfare of Kenyans abroad is a priority for our ministry. We are following up on every individual case to ensure their rights are respected,” he said.
Turning to Uganda, Mudavadi highlighted progress in bilateral relations, announcing the safe release of two missing Kenyan nationals, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who disappeared on October 1, 2025.
Their release followed sustained diplomatic negotiations, and they have since been reunited with their families.
He noted that Uganda remains Kenya’s top export market, accounting for 11.3 per cent of total exports in 2024.
The two countries will soon convene the 14th Joint Border Commission and 2nd Joint Technical Commission meetings in Kampala and Mbale to strengthen cross-border trade, security, and infrastructure cooperation.
Mudavadi reaffirmed that Kenya’s diplomacy will continue to be anchored on peaceful engagement, mutual respect, and the protection of citizens abroad.
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