Pecohub The government in Nairobi has announced the repatriation of at least 18 Kenyans who had been trapped in the Russia-Ukraine war fighting for Moscow.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Kenya’s diplomatic mission in Russia intervened after getting wind of the sufferings encountered by the Kenyans on the battlefront.
After they were successfully rescued, the men were issued with Emergency Travel Documents and safely repatriated to Kenya.
They are Benson Osomo Osieko, Shaquille Wambo, Pius Mwika, Derrick Njaga, Kevin Kariuki Nduma, George Rimba Mwagona, Vincent Odhiambo Awiti, Wilson Mwaoka Mwanyalo, Orima Jobick Otieno, Daniel Moogi, Daniel Muriuki, Chitsangi Matano Athman, Newton Maliro, Charles Lengine, John Ngeru Kariuki, Stanley Mungai, Brian Kimutai and Michael Barasa.
They will be enrolled in a rehabilitation programme.
According to the ministry, the individuals would be subjected to sessions of counselling in the special units established by the government to provide psychological support for them, their families, and other vulnerable Kenyans.
Since the outbreak of the Russia‑Ukraine conflict in 2022, Africans have been recruited into the Russian military, with the government noting that more than 200 Kenyans are partaking in the war.
According to the Kenyan government, the recruitment into the Russian military is reportedly facilitated by networks thought to operate in both Kenya and the Russian Federation.
The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow acknowledged cases of Kenyan nationals sustaining injuries, as well as others being left stranded following failed recruitment attempts.
The government reported being in receipt of numerous urgent messages and emails from Kenyans facing distress in military camps across the Russian Federation.
After confirming that some nationals had been drafted into the Russian army, the Kenyan Mission in Moscow promptly issued public advisories through its official website and social media channels.
The Mission urged all Kenyans travelling to or residing in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan to register with the Embassy upon arrival to enable effective monitoring, consular support, and protection.
At the same time, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi revealed that the government was engaging Russian authorities to facilitate the transfer of Kenyan citizens, including those in military camps, to the Kenyan mission in Moscow for repatriation.
To shield Kenyans from fraudulent job offers that lure them into conflict zones, the government announced plans to strengthen ties with Russia through a Bilateral Labour Agreement aimed at securing safe and legitimate employment opportunities.
Mudavadi also revealed that discussions are underway with Ukrainian officials to ensure the release and safe return of any Kenyans allegedly detained as prisoners of war.
The ministry further advised young Kenyans seeking jobs abroad to consult the Ministries of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and Labour and Social Protection to verify opportunities, stressing the need to avoid falling prey to exploitative agents who trap unsuspecting citizens in war‑torn regions.
