Police in Tanzania round up protesters on election day after demonstrations broke out over an alleged sham electoral process on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. /AI ENHANCED IMAGEHuman rights organisation Vocal Africa has called on Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urgently intervene regarding two Kenyan citizens reported missing in Tanzania following post-election unrest.
In a letter to the Permanent Secretary, Vocal Africa expressed concern for the safety and welfare of the two individuals; one reported killed during the violence, and another detained and unaccounted for in Dar es Salaam.
According to the organisation, the first Kenyan, a teacher based in Dar es Salaam, was reportedly shot on October 29, when post-election unrest erupted in the neighbouring country.
His body was said to have been taken to the morgue, but is now unaccounted for, causing distress to his family seeking closure.
The second Kenyan, the organisation stated, was travelling to Zanzibar for work when he was reportedly arrested on October 31 in Dar es Salaam.
Vocal Africa expressed concern that he may not have had access to legal representation or family contact, raising fears for his safety.
Vocal Africa has urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage Tanzanian authorities to establish the whereabouts of the missing teacher and ensure the detained individual is treated in accordance with international human rights standards and the East African Community Treaty.
“Your timely intervention will not only safeguard the rights of these two Kenyan citizens but will also demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to protecting its nationals abroad, especially in moments of crisis,” the letter, signed by Vocal Africa Chief Executive Hussein Khalid, stated.
The organisation emphasised that delays in addressing the cases could exacerbate the distress of the affected families and hinder accountability.
It also referenced unresolved past cases of Kenyans affected by similar incidents in neighbouring countries.
The appeal comes as Tanzania experiences political unrest following the disputed October 29 general election, which triggered violent protests and several injuries and deaths, although authorities have yet to release official figures.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, declared the winner with nearly 98 per cent of the vote, was sworn in on Monday at a military parade in Dodoma.
The event was closed to the public due to security concerns, following days of clashes between protesters and security forces.
In her inauguration speech, President Hassan attributed the violence to “outsiders from a neighbouring country,” without further elaboration.
Her main opponents, including Chadema party leader Tundu Lissu, were barred from running, with Lissu reportedly still in detention facing treason charges.
Vocal Africa reaffirmed its readiness to assist the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in following up on the cases, highlighting the need for prompt action to ensure justice, accountability, and humane treatment for Kenyan nationals affected by the unrest.
The reports of these missing persons coincide with growing concern over the whereabouts of two activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who were reportedly abducted in Uganda.
As of Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 36 days had passed since their alleged abduction.
