NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has successfully repatriated 18 citizens who were allegedly lured into joining the Russian military amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, confirmed that the nationals were issued Emergency Travel Documents and safely returned to Kenya.
They are now receiving counselling and reintegration support under a government programme aimed at helping them resume normal life.
“Since the onset of the conflict in 2022, reports indicate that more than 200 Kenyans may have been recruited into the Russian military. Networks allegedly remain active both in Kenya and Russia,” said Mudavadi in a statement.
Official Update on the Safe Repatriation of Kenyans in Distress from the Russian Federation.
He added that the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has reported cases of injuries and stranded nationals following recruitment attempts.
The government said it acted promptly after confirming the drafting of Kenyan citizens, issuing public alerts through the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow and advising all nationals in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan to register with the Embassy for timely assistance.
Mudavadi also highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts with both the Russian and Ukrainian governments to ensure the safe return of Kenyans still in military camps or allegedly held as prisoners of war.
To prevent similar incidents, the government has strengthened recruitment regulations, deregistered over 600 non-compliant agencies, and expanded the Diaspora Placement Agency to provide verified, government-vetted job opportunities abroad.
Kenyans are urged to verify any foreign job offers with the Ministries of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs or Labour and Social Protection.
The government commended the efforts of Ambassador Peter Mathuki in Moscow, Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, and Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu for their roles in the successful repatriation.
Kenyans in distress abroad are advised to contact the State Department for Diaspora Affairs’ 24/7 emergency hotline at +254207876000, WhatsApp +254114757002, or email consular@diaspora.go.ke.
