Kenya engages Russia to secure release of citizens caught in Ukraine conflict
Kenya confirmed that it is actively engaging the Russian Federation to secure the safe release and repatriation of Kenyan citizens caught up in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi said the government said it had been pursuing the matter for several months through diplomatic channels.
According to a statement, officials from Kenya and Russia held a crucial meeting last month to discuss the plight of Kenyans detained in various military camps across the Russian Federation.
The discussions centered on facilitating their movement to Kenya’s embassy in Moscow to ease arrangements for their return home.
“The Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has constructively engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in a bid to secure the release of Kenyan citizens in distress and ensure their safe passage home,” Mudavadi said.
The Russian authorities reportedly acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that it involves victims of multiple nationalities who had entered into voluntary contracts with recruiters.
However, Kenya expressed concern that unscrupulous agents posing as legitimate recruiters have been luring young Kenyans with false promises, only for them to end up in military operations.
Mudavadi revealed that the Kenyan mission in Moscow has been working to establish the exact number of Kenyans affected and has already rescued several individuals, providing emergency travel documents to ensure their safe return to their families.
Both governments have now reached an agreement that Kenyans being held against their will be released to the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow immediately. The mission will continue to support others seeking to leave the camps and return home.
To prevent further exploitation, the Kenyan government has directed immigration and security agencies to intensify surveillance at border points and airports to identify and apprehend agents illegally recruiting Kenyans into foreign conflicts.
The Kenyan mission in Moscow has also issued an advisory urging all Kenyans traveling to Russia or neighboring regions to remain vigilant, register with the embassy, and seek consular assistance when necessary.
Mudavadi emphasized that, despite the ongoing issue, Kenya remains committed to strengthening bilateral ties with Russia, particularly in the areas of economic cooperation and labour relations.
He confirmed that the two nations are working on a Bilateral Labour Agreement to ensure that Kenyans access legitimate employment opportunities in Russia.
“The Government of Kenya is keen on strengthening relations with the Russian Federation on economic and labour frameworks, while ensuring the safety and welfare of our citizens abroad,” the statement concluded.