Activist Hussein Khalid, CEO of VOCAL Africa, has raised a serious alarm regarding reports that several Kenyans have been caught up in the violent unrest following Tanzania’s recent general election, with some allegedly killed.
Khalid took to X on Sunday to relay reports of Kenyan deaths amid the intensifying crackdown on post-election protests, which began shortly after the vote on October 29.
Kenyan Teacher Allegedly Shot
The activist specifically identified one alleged victim, John Okoth Ogutu, who was reportedly shot on election day in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam. According to Khalid’s post, Ogutu was working as a teacher in Tanzania, and his body is currently being held at the Mwananyamala Mortuary.
“We are receiving reports that there are Kenyans who have been killed in Tanzania,” Khalid stated, urging diplomatic attention to the escalating situation.
Context of the Unrest and Contested Election
The reports emerge just days after widespread protests erupted in Tanzania. The election itself was highly controversial due to a notable lack of strong opposition:
The main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu (CHADEMA), is facing treason charges.
The second main opposition leader, Luhaga Mpina (ACT-Wazalendo), was disqualified.
Consequently, many Tanzanians took to the streets to protest what they termed as oppression, with many citizens reportedly choosing not to vote.
Despite the low turnout observed by external parties, Tanzania’s electoral commission reported that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had won by a landslide with 98 percent of the vote, claiming an improbable 87 percent voter turnout. This assertion has been vehemently termed as false by the opposition and independent election observers.
Tanzanian nationals have continued to contest the election process daily, leading to security forces using strong-handed methods to disperse crowds, which has reportedly resulted in hundreds of deaths and now, allegedly, the death of a Kenyan national.
By Ghafla