Body of Kenyan Teacher Killed in Tanzania Vanishes From Morgue
VOCAL Africa has sounded the alarm after the body of a Kenyan teacher, allegedly killed during post-election violence in Tanzania, has gone missing from a morgue in Dar es Salaam.
In a letter dated November 5 and addressed to Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the advocacy organisation said that John Okoth Ogutu, a teacher at Sky Schools in Dar es Salaam, was shot dead on October 29 during the civil unrest that followed Tanzania’s disputed elections.
“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,” the group stated.
VOCAL Africa said Ogutu’s body was taken to Mwananyamala Hospital Morgue but when his colleagues went to view it two days later, it was missing.
“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 are unknown. This has caused immense distress to his family who are desperate for closure and the dignified return of their loved one’s remains,” the group added.
The organisation also highlighted the case of Fredrick Obuya Lorent, a 29 year old Kenyan who was arrested in Dar es Salaam on October 31 while on his way to Zanzibar for work. Lorent was last seen at Oyster Bay Police Station according to the group who said he has been denied access to a lawyer and communication with his family.
VOCAL Africa is calling on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene immediately and engage with Tanzanian authorities to locate Ogutu’s body and ensure Lorent’s rights are respected.
“We request that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs engages the Tanzanian authorities urgently to establish the whereabouts of Mr. Ogutu’s body and release it to his family without delay,” the letter concludes.
Meanwhile the US Embassy in Tanzania has issued a new security alert to foreign nationals warning of possible detentions and increased scrutiny from local authorities.
The embassy notes that while calm has returned to some parts of the country, there is still a heavy security presence. “After days of civil unrest, the curfew was lifted in Dar es Salaam. Other areas of the country may still be under curfew,” the embassy says.
It also advises foreigners not to share political content online as police are checking devices. Connectivity is also affected with intermittent internet and some apps blocked. Food, fuel and cash is low in some areas and advises travelers to confirm flight details before going to the airport.
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Body of Kenyan Teacher Killed in Tanzania Vanishes From Morgue