Nairobi, Kenya – Confusion reigns over the fate of Kenyans linked to the Russia–Ukraine conflict after the Russian Embassy in Nairobi denied involvement in an alleged recruitment ring, even as local authorities pursue investigations.
On Friday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) questioned Russian national Mikhail Lyapin over the suspected recruitment of Kenyans into Russian military ranks. While police described him as tied to the embassy, the mission dismissed the claim. “Contrary to reports, Lyapin has never been an employee of Russian governmental bodies and does not work at the Russian Embassy in Nairobi,” the embassy said, adding that he had since left the country.
The denial came just hours after Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei announced the rescue of three Kenyans trapped in the conflict, Shaquille Wambo, Pius Mwika, and Derick Njaga, who were repatriated from Moscow. Sing’Oei confirmed efforts were ongoing to secure the release of others captured as prisoners of war.
Meanwhile, a raid in Athi River exposed a recruitment network where 21 Kenyans were allegedly being processed for travel to Russia. Investigators seized job contracts, travel documents, and recruitment forms. One suspect, Edward Gituku, is facing charges at Kahawa Law Courts.
Gituku’s lawyer, Danstan Omari, dropped a bombshell, claiming the company had already facilitated the travel of over 1,000 Kenyans under a contract with Russian military forces. He insisted only ex-KDF officers were eligible, undergoing strict vetting on age, health, and conduct. “Our client was engaged in lawful business. These are former military officers relocating for work, not civilians,” Omari argued, adding recruits could earn up to Sh300,000 monthly plus a Sh2 million sign-on bonus.
The saga has triggered fresh concerns after reports that two returnees were injured and hospitalised, while others remain unaccounted for. It follows the high-profile case of long-distance runner Evans Kibet, captured by Ukrainian forces last year, who alleged he was duped into joining the war.
Security analysts warn that the revelations could strain Nairobi’s diplomatic balancing act between Moscow, Kyiv, and Western allies. “If proven, this points to a sophisticated recruitment network exploiting economic hardship among ex-servicemen while dragging Kenya into geopolitical conflicts,” said governance expert Dr. Peter Kilonzo.
As families anxiously await answers, the government faces mounting pressure to dismantle the networks, clarify the legal status of foreign military recruitment, and protect vulnerable citizens from being lured into global wars.
