VOCAL Africa has raised the alarm over the disappearance of the body of a Kenyan teacher who was reportedly killed during post-election violence in Tanzania.
In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, November 5, the organisation said that John Okoth Ogutu, who worked at Sky Schools in Dar es Salaam, was shot dead at the height of the civil unrest.
“We write to you with deep concern regarding two Kenyan citizens who have been directly affected by the ongoing unrest and violence following the disputed elections in the United Republic of Tanzania. We seek the urgent intervention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to secure justice and humane treatment for both individuals.
“The first case concerns Mr. John Okoth Ogutu, a Kenyan national who worked as a teacher at Sky Schools in Dar es Salaam. According to multiple eyewitness accounts, Mr. Ogutu was shot and killed on 29th October 2025 during the post election violence. His body was subsequently taken to Mwananyamala Hospital Morgue in Dar es Salaam,” the letter read.
However, VOCAL Africa noted that reports have since emerged that the teacher’s body is missing from the morgue where it was taken.
“However, we have received alarming reports that when his colleagues and friends went to view the body in the last two days, it was missing and its current whereabouts remain unknown.
“This situation has caused immense distress to his family, who are desperate for closure and the dignified return of their loved one’s remains,” the letter added.
In the same letter, VOCAL Africa also highlighted the case of another Kenyan, Fredrick Obuya Lorent, who was reportedly arrested in Dar es Salaam while travelling to Zanzibar.
“The second case involves Mr. Fredrick Obuya Lorent, aged 29, who was arrested on 3lst October 2025 in Dar es Salaam. Mr. Lorent was en route to Zanzibar for work related travel when he was detained and his last known location was Oyster Bay Police Station,” the letter further read.
The organisation expressed concern that Lorent has allegedly been denied access to legal representation and communication with his family since his arrest.
“We are concerned that he has been denied access to legal representation and communication with his family, raising fears over his safety and well being,” the letter stated.
VOCAL Africa is now urging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take immediate diplomatic steps to address the situation and protect the rights of its citizens abroad.
“In light of the above, we respectfully request that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs engage the Tanzanian authorities urgently to establish the whereabouts of Mr. Ogutu’s body and ensure it is released to his family without further delay for transportation and burial in Kenya; and intervene immediately in the case of Mr. Lorent to ensure that he is accorded his right to a fair and expeditious trial in line with international human rights standards and the East African Community Treaty obligations,” the letter concluded.
Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Tanzania has issued a security alert to all foreign nationals following days of civil unrest.
In a statement on Wednesday, the embassy noted that while calm had returned to some areas, a heavy security presence remains across Tanzania, and travelers should exercise caution.
The US embassy further warned foreigners of heightened attention from local security officers and temporary detentions.
“After days of civil unrest, the curfew was lifted in Dar es Salaam. Other areas of the country may still be subject to curfew. Please check with local authorities. Heavy security presence persists nationwide. Movement restrictions and security checkpoints continue in many locations.
“Foreign nationals may experience increased attention from local security authorities, and there have been reports of temporary detentions,” the statement read.
The US embassy also urged visitors and residents to comply with local laws regarding the circulation of sensitive material.
“Police have reminded the public that under Tanzanian law, the sharing of pictures or videos which cause panic is a criminal offense. There are reports of security searching electronic devices for politically sensitive content. Please be mindful of local laws,” the statement added.
The embassy further noted that connectivity has been affected, with limited access to the internet and certain apps remaining blocked.
“Intermittent internet outages continue, with certain apps reportedly blocked. The ability to make payments via credit card is dependent on internet access. As access is restored nationwide, more locations can accept credit card payments.
“Stores of food, fuel, and cash are still low in certain areas. International airports are operational but confirm your flight via telephone prior to traveling to the airport,” the statement further read.
