The family of a Kenyan teacher John Okoth Ogutu, who was fatally shot during protests in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania has decried the frustrating efforts they have been receiving by both governments to help in the body tracing and repatriation for burial.
They added that they are still unable to trace his remains, a delay they describe as agonizing and unbearable.
The family has revealed that since October 29, when Okoth died, they have made repeated attempts, working with Tanzanian authorities and diplomatic channels to locate his body and have it repatriated for burial in Kenya, however the process has been marred by confusion, empty assurances, and bureaucratic hurdles.
“It is very frustrating when we see both governments taking us round,” said Bernard Miranyi, a family representative. “We’ve been to the Embassy of Tanzania several times and the answers we get from there only leave our which hearts more broken,” he said.
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Family members say the prolonged wait has taken a heavy emotional toll on Okoth’s elderly mother, who remains hopeful but deeply distressed as days go by without closure.
They are now appealing to Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to step in more decisively and help expedite the release and transportation of the remains.
It is also disappointing that amid the search and repatriation efforts, the Tanzanian officials have not publicly responded, and no independent investigations have yet substantiated the claims. For now, Okoth’s family says their primary plea is simple: to bring their son home.
By Juma Ndigo
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