- There was singing, dancing and cheering at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as Kelvin Lemashon Koriko returned home after months in the Russia-Ukraine war
- Joy, tears and strong emotions were evident to his family members as he narrated his story that touched personal success and also raised national concerns.
- Although his return home has brought joy and relief, the authorities have urged Kenyan youth to think twice before accepting job offers abroad that may hide the dangers of life.
Relief, tears and silent celebrations filled the arrivals area at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday, March 19, when Kelvin Lemashon Koriko set foot on Kenyan soil again after months of fighting.
Source: Facebook
Arriving on a Turkish Airlines plane, Koriko’s return ended a difficult period for his family, which had been troubled by the lack of reliable communication for a long time.
Why was Koriko’s return so emotional?
He was received with many hugs, prayers and thanks while many were not sure if he was safe, injured or even alive.
The video showed the emotional scene where Koriko raised his hands in gratitude for returning home alive and safe.
For him, returning alive is a blessing that some of his colleagues did not get, as they died abroad and their bodies have never been returned for burial.
Others are still missing after losing contact with their families. For many who watched the video, the event meant more than a personal victory.
It has become part of a growing national debate about the fate of Kenyan youth who are drawn to join foreign conflicts under unclear circumstances.
Source: Facebook
Reports indicate that more than 1,000 citizens were drafted with promises of well-paying jobs abroad, only to find themselves drawn into the reality of war in Russia.
Families across the country have expressed fear, confusion and pain as news of deaths and disappearances continues to return home.
Lawmakers and authorities have also warned, saying that such recruitment schemes often hide the real risks involved.
As Koriko was reunited with her loved ones, her story stood as a moment of joy but also a stark warning about the dangers facing others still far from home.
Authorities are now urging young people to be cautious when considering job opportunities abroad, especially those that appear to be overpaid.
They warn that behind the promises of quick money there may be serious life-changing risks.
There will be no more Kenyans joining the war in Russia
Following growing concerns, the governments of Kenya and Russia recently reached an agreement to prevent Kenyans from joining the Russian army in the ongoing war.
Koriko’s return comes three days after former Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister, Stay Mudavadito meet his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on Monday, March 16.
The decision was reached during high-level talks aimed at strengthening relations between Kenya and Russia in Moscow.
Lavrov said that the Russian government was not involved in the recruitment process, noting that those who participated in the war did so voluntarily, and therefore do not deserve compensation.
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