By Nyang’au Araka
The Kenyan Government has confirmed that it is engaging Moscow to secure the release of Kenyan citizens reportedly trapped or detained in Russian military camps after being lured into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In a statement issued by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi, the Government said it had “taken note of media reports of Kenyans caught up in the Russian-Ukraine conflict” and was actively pursuing their safe return.
“The Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has constructively engaged with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation to secure the release of Kenyan citizens in distress and ensure their safe passage home,” the statement read.
Mudavadi revealed that the matter had been under investigation for several months, following reports that unscrupulous agents had duped young Kenyans into travelling to Russia under false pretences.
“Kenya expressed its concern that its young citizens continue to be lured by corrupt and ruthless agents who use falsified information to entice them into joining the Russian military operation unknowingly,” he said.
He noted that Kenyan and Russian officials held a “crucial meeting” in September, during which both sides agreed to facilitate access for detained Kenyans to Kenya’s mission in Moscow.
“The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the difficulties of dealing with such cases involving multiple nationalities, as many victims entered voluntary contracts with recruiters,” Mudavadi added.
According to the Government, several Kenyans have already been rescued from military camps and provided with emergency travel documents to return home.
Both governments also agreed that those held without consent should be released immediately.
To prevent further cases, Mudavadi said immigration and security agencies had been directed to “be extra vigilant at border points, particularly airports, to identify and arrest agents illegally drafting Kenyans into conflicts abroad.”
He further said the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow had issued a public advisory urging citizens visiting Russia and neighbouring regions to remain alert and register with the Mission for consular support.
Mudavadi reaffirmed that Nairobi remains committed to strengthening ties with Moscow on economic cooperation and employment opportunities.
“Both governments are working closely on a Bilateral Labour Agreement that will ensure Kenyans have access to genuine job opportunities in Russia,” he stated.