The family of 33-year-old John Okoth Ogutu, a Kenyan teacher who lived and worked in Tanzania, is pressing for an International Criminal Court investigation into President Samia Suluhu after his death during the October 29, 2025 protests. Their calls for justice intensified as they expressed deep frustration over delays in tracing his remains for repatriation, a process they say has been emotionally draining and marked by unhelpful responses from Tanzanian authorities.
Relatives say the prolonged wait has weighed heavily on Ogutu’s ageing mother, prompting an appeal to Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene. According to his relative Benard Minayi, the experience has been heartbreaking. “It is very frustrating when we see both governments taking us round. We’ve been to the embassy of Tanzania several times, and the answers that we get from there really ni majibu yanayo vunja moyo sana…the government should do something,” he said. Their efforts reflect a family caught between bureaucracies and desperate for closure.
Why Are Human Rights Groups Calling for ICC Intervention?
Human rights organisations led by Hussein Khalid and Mwanse Ahmed argue that Ogutu’s case is part of a wider pattern of violence linked to the post-election unrest. They have accused Tanzanian authorities of covering up protest-related killings and insist that President Suluhu should face international scrutiny. “Samia Suluhu aweze kukubali kutoka mamlakani ili tuweze kuhakikisha amechunguzwa kikamilifu na tunaitaka korti ya kimataifa (ICC) iweze kuingilia kati,” Khalid said.
Mwanse added that regional bodies like the EAC, AU, and SADC must take action to stabilise the situation. “The EAC, AU, and SADC must urgently intervene to restore normalcy and human rights observance by, among other things, brokering an inclusive interim administration and a truth and justice mechanism,” he said. Their statements highlight growing regional concern over violence, accountability, and human rights protections in Tanzania.
What Has the Government Said About Ogutu’s Killing?
The Kenyan government confirmed that Ogutu was shot and killed during the post-election unrest. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo noted that officials are working to uncover what happened and ensure the family receives the support they need. “It is an unfortunate incident following the commotion that was there. A contact has been created in Dar es Salaam. I want to assure the family that the case will be handled in a respectful manner,” Omollo stated.
As the family continues waiting for answers and the return of Ogutu’s body, their calls for justice reflect broader demands for transparency and accountability. With regional and human rights groups now involved, the push for an international investigation is gaining momentum, signalling that the search for truth may extend far beyond Tanzania’s borders.
By Lucky Anyanje