By KPC Reporter
The government has rescued and repatriated 27 Kenyans who were stranded in the Russian Federation after being illegally recruited to fight in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said the returnees were brought home through swift diplomatic and consular interventions coordinated by Kenya’s mission in Moscow.
Most of the rescued Kenyans had fallen victim to recruitment networks linked to the Russian military after being promised legitimate employment.
“We have facilitated the return of 27 Kenyans away from the frontline, many of whom thought they were taking up ordinary jobs but were instead lured into battle,” Mudavadi said.
He announced that the government is making advanced preparations for an official visit to Moscow in March to engage directly with Russian authorities on the matter.
The visit, Mudavadi said, will seek to address the circumstances that have drawn Kenyans into the conflict and to prevent further exposure of citizens to danger.
“We have seen loss of lives, and I am planning to visit Moscow so that we can emphasise that this situation must be arrested,” he said.
Mudavadi added that Kenya’s Ambassador to Russia, Peter Mathuki, has been engaging relevant agencies, with the government now seeking structured bilateral labour agreements similar to those Kenya has with countries such as Austria and Germany.
“Our intention is to ensure Kenyans access legitimate and decent jobs abroad through clear and regulated frameworks,” he said.
Over the weekend, the Prime CS raised renewed concern over the increasing number of Kenyan youth being lured into unsafe jobs overseas, particularly through irregular and illegal recruitment channels.
He cited disturbing accounts from some of the rescued nationals, who reported being forced to assemble drones and handle hazardous chemicals without proper training or protective gear.
“We are concerned that some citizens even leave the country without informing their families, only to later fall victim to these dangerous situations on the war front,” Mudavadi said.
He disclosed that some victims suffered serious injuries and exploitation while working under the Russian military, while others were exposed to risks beyond the battlefield.
Mudavadi warned that Kenyans are also being drawn into “forced criminality” abroad, including drug trafficking, forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
“There are many traps beyond the well-known issue of war recruitment. We have reports of human trafficking linked to organ transplants, drug trafficking and other indecent jobs where our brothers and sisters fall victim,” he cautioned.
Following their return, Mudavadi said the government provides comprehensive psychosocial support to help the rescued Kenyans recover and reintegrate into society.
He noted that the State Department for Diaspora Affairs places returnees under a structured reintegration programme to support their physical, mental and social well-being.
Previously, Mudavadi revealed that President William Ruto has also engaged the Ukrainian government on the fate of Kenyans held as prisoners of war, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to secure their release and safe return home.