At least one Kenyan has been confirmed killed amid deadly protests following Tanzania's controversial presidential election on October 29, 2025. Activist Hussein Khalid reported the death of teacher John Okoth Ogutu in Dar es Salaam, as the death toll from the unrest rises to hundreds. Opposition groups contest the election results, alleging widespread fraud.
Tanzania plunged into violence on October 29, 2025, as citizens protested the presidential election amid accusations of oppression and a lack of credible opposition. The main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu of the CHADEMA party, faces treason charges, while Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party was disqualified from running. Many voters stayed away, decrying the flawed process.
Despite reports of low turnout, Tanzania's electoral commission declared President Samia Suluhu the winner with 98% of the votes—31.9 million out of 32 million—claiming an 87% participation rate. The opposition and election observers dismissed these figures as false, sparking daily street demonstrations. Police have used force to disperse crowds, resulting in numerous casualties.
Kenyans have been caught in the crossfire. VOCAL Africa CEO Hussein Khalid alerted the public on X, stating, "We are receiving reports that there are Kenyans who have been killed in Tanzania." He identified John Okoth Ogutu, a teacher working in the country, as one victim. Ogutu was allegedly shot in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, on election day, with his body now at Mwananyamala Mortuary.
Protests escalated on October 30 at the Namanga border, spilling into Kenya, where authorities blocked a group of Kenyans from joining the demonstrations. The CHADEMA party claims around 700 people have died in the violence. A diplomatic source told the BBC on October 31 that credible evidence points to at least 500 deaths. Journalists and human rights groups have yet to verify the exact toll as unrest continues.