Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations with neighbouring Tanzania and Uganda, even as it addresses sensitive cases involving its citizens abroad.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi on Wednesday said Nairobi is closely monitoring the situation in Tanzania following the country’s October 29 General Election, which sparked tensions over alleged foreign interference by non-state actors from Kenya.
Speaking during his Third Quarterly Briefing at the ministry’s headquarters, Mudavadi confirmed that a Kenyan national, John Ogutu, a teacher at Sky Schools iHi Rabson in Dar es Salaam, was shot dead on election day amid post-poll unrest in the Goba area of Ubungo District.
“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 added that while eight Kenyans arrested across Tanzania have since been released, three others remain in custody—two in Arusha and one in Dar es Salaam—as diplomatic efforts continue for their release.
Mudavadi reaffirmed that Kenya remains committed to cooperation with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration within the East African Community (EAC) framework, guided by mutual respect and non-interference.
“The safety and welfare of Kenyans abroad remain 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 announced the safe release of two missing Kenyan nationals, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who had disappeared on October 1, 2025. Their release followed sustained diplomatic negotiations, and both have since been reunited with their families.
He further noted that Uganda continues to be Kenya’s top export market, accounting for 11.3 per cent of total exports in 2024, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong regional partnerships.
