Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, arrived in Russia to hold bilateral meetings.
During his Moscow visit, Mudavadi is expected to address recent cases of Kenyan citizens being recruited into the Russian Army.
Dozens of Kenyans were recruited to represent Russia in the Russia-Ukraine conflict that has lasted for years. A number of Kenyans have died on the battlefield, as others remain stuck in the country against their will, unable to get clearance to return home.
Several Kenyans have been pushing the government to address the matter and have the Kenyans return home.
The United Opposition has accused the government of partially being behind the recruitment of the Kenyans who were sent to the frontlines to fight against Ukraine.
This prompted the move by Mudavadi. It is believed more than 500 Kenyans have been recruited into the mission.
Mudavadi said talks with authorities in Moscow would address cases involving Kenyans who were voluntarily or involuntarily recruited into the Russian military.
“The Prime CS will intensify diplomatic efforts to engage directly with Russian authorities through dialogue, to prevent further risks arising from misleading recruitment or false promises of employment,” a statement from his office indicated.
According to Mudavadi, his talks with Russian authorities would also push for the repatriation of Kenyan citizens who are in the country against their will.
“The engagement is focused on a broad coordinated government action to protect Kenyans abroad, by ensuring that they work in a safe working environment and live dignified lives away from home,” said Mudavadi’s office.
Other than the concerns about Kenyan citizens recruited in the Russia-Ukraine war, Mudavadi’s visit also seeks to strengthen bilateral ties between Moscow and Nairobi.
The CS recognizes the ties between the two nations, especially in agriculture and education, where Russia has supported Kenya in advancing education through scholarships and in strengthening agricultural productivity through fertilizer assistance.
As the Iran-US-Israel war enters its third week, Kenya sees the turbulence in the Gulf region as a time to improve its agricultural exports.
“There exists a great potential for the export of Kenyan coffee, tea, and floriculture to the Russian market, especially at a time of the Middle East turbulence and beyond,” said Mudavadi.
This visit is also aimed at deepening Kenya–Russia relations, particularly in areas of Education, Labour Mobility, Health, Infrastructure and Energy.
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