NAIROBI, Kenya — Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi has confirmed the release of eight Kenyan citizens who were arrested and detained across various police stations in Tanzania following the deadly protests that erupted after the October 29 General Election.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, the CS explained that while eight Kenyans have been freed, the government is currently working urgently to secure the release of three others who remain in custody.
He specified that two of these individuals are detained in Arusha, with the third being held at a police station in Dar es Salaam.
Unresolved cases and diplomatic successes
Mudavadi, who also serves as the Prime Cabinet Secretary, further highlighted the unresolved case of John Ogutu, a Kenyan teacher shot dead in Dar es Salaam’s Ubongo District.
“He was a teacher at Sky Schools. His body has not been traced to date. The list of those affected is in the comprehensive written statement to be released,” Mudavadi stated.
The CS also acknowledged the successful high-level diplomatic engagements between Kenya and Uganda that led to the release of activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who had been held incommunicado for 38 days.
“The ministry closely monitored the case of two missing Kenyan nationals, Mr. Bob Njagi and Mr. Nicholas Oyoo, who disappeared on 1st October 2025. High-level diplomatic engagements between Kenya and Uganda eventually led to their release on Friday. They have since been reunited with their families,” he noted.
Addressing undocumented children in Saudi Arabia
In addition to regional diplomatic concerns, Mudavadi confirmed the government is pursuing bilateral interventions with the Saudi Arabian government to address the challenging problem of Kenyan mothers with undocumented children in the kingdom.
Through a targeted effort known as the Mobile Consular Services (MCS) drive, the government has conducted DNA tests and successfully collected 707 samples.
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Upon verification of parenthood, the government processes the necessary birth certificates to facilitate the safe repatriation of the children alongside their mothers.
Warning on foreign laws and social media
Mudavadi’s remarks come amidst a discernible increase in the detention of Kenyans abroad, often due to a lack of understanding regarding foreign legal and constitutional frameworks. The CS issued a stern warning to citizens traveling overseas:
“There is a growing tendency where Kenyans leave the country without appreciating the legal terrain of the places they are going to,” he said. “Many end up on the wrong side of the law. We emphasize that the freedom we are experiencing in this country is not the same as in other countries.”
He also cautioned young people to be prudent with their social media activity, noting its increased scrutiny by foreign governments.
“There is now a tendency for social media checks before a visa is issued. Those found with negative content on their social media handles might lose opportunities in other countries,” he pointed out.
