The Government Achieves the Release of 18 Kenyans Who Were Sent to Russia and Forced to Fight the War

The Kenyan government has returned home 18 citizens who were caught fighting for Moscow in the war between Russia and Ukraine
Foreign officials said the men were rescued through the Kenyan mission in Moscow, issued emergency travel documents, and returned home for counseling and rehabilitation.
Authorities have warned of active recruitment networks luring Kenyans into conflict zones, with more than 200 believed to be involved in the conflict.

The government in Nairobi has announced the return home of at least 18 Kenyans who were trapped in the war between Russia and Ukraine fighting for the interests of Moscow.

Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi (pictured) announced the return of 18 Kenyans previously arrested in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Photo: Musalia Mudavadi.
Source: UGC

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Kenyan diplomatic mission in Russia intervened after receiving news of the torture Kenyans faced in the battlefield.

After the successful rescue, the men were given Emergency Travel Documents and returned safely 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.

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They will be enrolled in a rehabilitation program.

According to the ministry, the people would be given counseling sessions in special units established by the government to provide psychological support to them, their families, and other vulnerable Kenyans. Since the outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, Africans have been drafted into the Russian army, with the government noting that more than 200 Kenyans are participating in the war.

According to the Kenyan government, recruitment into the Russian army was reportedly facilitated by networks believed to be operating in Kenya and the Russian Federation.

The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow acknowledged cases of Kenyan citizens being injured, with others being left stranded following failed attempts at entry.

The government reported receiving many urgent messages and emails from Kenyans facing hardship in military camps across the Russian Federation.

After confirming that some citizens had been drafted into the Russian army, the Kenyan Mission in Moscow quickly issued a public advisory through its official website and social media channels.

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The mission urged all Kenyans traveling to or residing in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan to register with the Embassy upon arrival to facilitate effective monitoring, consular assistance, and protection.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Stay Mudavadi he revealed that the government was collaborating with Russian authorities to facilitate the transfer of Kenyan citizens, including those in military camps, to the Kenyan mission in Moscow for repatriation.

To protect Kenyans from fraudulent job offers in conflict zones, the government announced plans to strengthen ties with Russia through a Bilateral Labor Agreement aimed at securing safe and legal employment opportunities.

Mudavadi also revealed that discussions are ongoing with Ukrainian officials to ensure the release and safe return of any Kenyans allegedly held as prisoners of war.

The ministry advised Kenyan youths seeking work abroad to consult with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora and Labor and Social Protection to confirm such opportunities, stressing the need to avoid falling prey to exploitative agents who lure unsuspecting citizens in war-torn areas.