Government says Kenyans captured in Ukraine were victims of human trafficking
The PS said the government is actively engaging Ukrainian authorities to ensure that the captured Kenyans receive consular support and are safely repatriated.
The Kenyan government has clarified that nationals reportedly captured while fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war were victims of manipulation and human trafficking.
Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei disclosed on Monday after meeting Ukraine’s new Ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, in Nairobi.
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The PS said the government is actively engaging Ukrainian authorities to ensure that the captured Kenyans receive consular support and are safely repatriated.
“Following recent reports of Kenyan nationals captured by Ukrainian forces on the frontline, I sought Ambassador Tokar’s support to ensure the Kenyans access consular assistance and are returned home safely,” Sing’Oei said.
He emphasised that most affected individuals were misled and trafficked into conflict zones under false pretences, often lured by promises of lucrative employment abroad.
“I assured him that most Kenyans involved were victims of manipulation and trafficking, and the government is doing everything possible to protect vulnerable citizens,” he added.
Sing’Oei also reiterated Kenya’s longstanding stance that dialogue and respect for national sovereignty remain the most viable ways to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, now in its third year.
The meeting followed the capture of Kenyan athlete Evans Kibet by Ukraine’s 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade in Kharkiv Oblast near Vovchansk. Kibet said he was forcefully recruited into the Russian army after travelling to Russia on a tourist visa and being misled by a contact.
“I joined the Russian military without knowing I was being recruited. I have never served in the military and never wanted a military job. I went there as a tourist and spent two weeks, but when my visa was about to expire, the man who received me convinced me to stay,” Kibet explained.
According to Sing’Oei, at least four Kenyan nationals have been rescued and repatriated from Russia after being illegally conscripted, with efforts led by the Kenyan Mission in Moscow.
The developments come amid growing concern in Kenya over citizens being tricked into travelling abroad for purported employment or sports opportunities, only to find themselves in combat zones. The government has cautioned Kenyans to avoid falling prey to human trafficking networks exploiting global conflicts for recruitment.
During the meeting, Sing’Oei also sought Ukraine’s support for Kenya’s candidature to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council and for Professor Phoebe Okowa’s bid for a judgeship at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
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