The Kenyan government has successfully rescued and repatriated 27 citizens who were stranded in the Russian Federation after being illegally recruited to fight in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi confirmed the development this week, attributing the successful operation to swift diplomatic and consular interventions coordinated by Kenya’s mission in Moscow.
According to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, most of the rescued Kenyans were victims of recruitment networks linked to the Russian military, having been lured abroad under the promise of legitimate employment.
“We have facilitated 27 Kenyans to return home away from the frontline, after they were misled into what they believed were normal jobs but later found themselves drawn into battle,” Mudavadi said.
Following the rescue, Mudavadi announced that plans are at an advanced stage for him to visit Moscow in March to engage directly with the Russian government. The visit aims to address the circumstances that have exposed Kenyans to the conflict and to prevent further cases of illegal recruitment.
“We have seen loss of lives, and this is something that must be arrested,” Mudavadi said, noting that dialogue with Russian authorities will be central to safeguarding Kenyan citizens.
He revealed that Kenya’s Ambassador to Russia, Peter Mathuki, has been in contact with relevant agencies, with discussions ongoing to establish structured bilateral labour agreements. Mudavadi said Kenya seeks arrangements similar to those signed with countries such as Austria and Germany, which provide Kenyans with access to legitimate and decent employment opportunities.
Mudavadi raised concern over a growing trend of Kenyan youth being lured into unsafe and illegal jobs abroad, particularly in conflict-prone regions. Some of the rescued individuals reported being forced to assemble drones and handle hazardous chemicals without proper training or protective equipment.
“We are concerned that some citizens even travel without informing their families and later fall victim to dangerous situations on the war front,” he said, adding that several returnees suffered severe injuries and exploitation while working under the Russian military.
The Prime CS further warned that the risks extend beyond the battlefield, citing cases of forced labour, drug trafficking and other forms of criminal exploitation involving Kenyans abroad. He also raised alarm over reported incidents of human trafficking linked to illegal organ transplants.
“There are many traps beyond recruitment for war. Our brothers and sisters are falling victim to indecent and dangerous activities through deception,” Mudavadi cautioned.
He noted that upon return, the government provides rescued Kenyans with comprehensive psychosocial support and places them under a structured reintegration programme overseen by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs to address their physical, mental and social well-being.
Mudavadi also disclosed that President William Ruto has previously engaged the Ukrainian government over Kenyans held as prisoners of war, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to secure their release and safe return to the country.
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