Mudavadi confirms repatriation of 27 Kenyans from Russia

By Newsflash Reporter

The government has successfully rescued and repatriated 27 Kenyans who were stranded in the Russian Federation after they were illegally enlisted to fight in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, in his latest update released this week, said the government secured the safe return of Kenyans through swift diplomatic and consular interventions coordinated by Kenya’s mission in Moscow.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said records show a majority had fallen victim to recruitment networks linked to the Russian military.

“We have facilitated 27 Kenyans to come back home away from the frontline and from what they thought were different jobs but ended up being lured into battle,” said Mudavadi.

Diplomatic efforts underway to prevent further risks

The developments in the rescue operations have necessitated an urgent undertaking by the Kenyan government, and Mudavadi has announced plans, now at an advanced stage, to visit Moscow to engage directly with the Russian government.

This visit, among other issues, aims to address the circumstances that drew Kenyans into the Russia-Ukraine war and to prevent further exposure to danger.

“We have seen loss of lives, and I am planning to make a visit to Moscow, so that we can emphasise that this is something that needs to be arrested,” Mudavadi said.

“The Kenyan Ambassador to Russia, Peter Mathuki, has been in contact with the relevant agencies, and we intend to ensure structured bilateral agreements just like the ones we have entered with different countries like Austria and Germany, where Kenyans will get legitimate and decent jobs,” added Mudavadi.

He emphasised that Kenya’s approach is anchored on diplomacy and dialogue, aimed at understanding how Kenyans are affected and preventing further risks.

Concerns over exploitation and human trafficking

Over the weekend, Mudavadi raised fresh concerns over rising cases of Kenyan youth being lured into unsafe jobs abroad, including reports involving recruitment to countries such as Russia.

Highlighting some alarming accounts from rescued nationals who he said were forced to assemble drones and handle hazardous chemicals without adequate training or protective gear, the Prime CS regretted that some citizens may have found themselves in precarious situations due to misinformation, irregular and illegal recruitment, or false promises of work.

“We are concerned that even some don’t inform their families when they travel and later fall victim to what is happening on the war front,” he regretted. He revealed that some victims reported severe injuries and exploitation while working under the Russian military.

The threat extends beyond the battlefield as Mudavadi warned that some Kenyans are being drawn into “forced criminality” abroad, including drug trafficking and forced labour.

“There are many traps other than the famous debate on recruits for war in Russia. Incidents of human trafficking linked to organ transplants have been reported, and also some cases of drug trafficking and other indecent jobs where our brothers and sisters fall victim,” Mudavadi warned.

In his previous addresses, Mudavadi stated that following their return, the government offers the rescued Kenyans comprehensive psycho-social support to help them recover and reintegrate into society. He further noted that the State Department for Diaspora Affairs guides the returnees through a structured reintegration programme designed to support their physical, mental, and social well-being.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary has previously disclosed that President William Ruto has engaged the Ukrainian government regarding Kenyans detained as prisoners of war, pursuing diplomatic means to ensure they are released and safely returned home.