Nairobi pushes for safe return of Kenyans recruited into Russia-Ukraine war
A Kenyan citizen, Edward Kamau Gituku, was arrested for allegedly coordinating the scheme, while Russian national Mike Lyapin was detained on suspicion of recruiting Kenyans.
Kenya has opened diplomatic talks with Russia to secure the release and safe return of several Kenyans caught up in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, some reportedly held in Russian military camps.
Concerns over Kenyans being drawn into Russia’s war in Ukraine have grown since DCI detectives dismantled a trafficking ring in Athi River in September.
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The ring was recruiting job seekers under the guise of lucrative opportunities. During the operation, 22 Kenyans who were awaiting processing to travel to Russia were rescued.
While some victims were misled by promises of high-paying jobs, reports indicate that others voluntarily signed up to fight for Russia in the conflict.
A Kenyan citizen, Edward Kamau Gituku, was arrested for allegedly coordinating the scheme, while Russian national Mike Lyapin was detained on suspicion of recruiting Kenyans. Lyapin was later deported, with Russia denying any links to him.
In a statement on Monday, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi said Nairobi had been engaging Moscow for months to assist citizens stranded or detained after being recruited into the war.
According to Mudavadi, officials from both countries held a high-level meeting in September, agreeing on measures to facilitate the safe passage of affected Kenyans to the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow, from where Nairobi would arrange their return home.
"The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the difficulties of dealing with the matter that cuts across many countries, with victims of different nationalities being held up for military operations," he said.
"The affected persons enter into voluntary contracts with their recruiters. Furthermore, the system has been made complicated by the agents who masquerade as working with the Russian Government and use unscrupulous methods, including falsified information, to lure innocent Kenyans into the battlefield."
He added that following the discussions, the Kenyan mission in Moscow is working to establish an accurate number of Kenyans detained in various military bases and has reached out for help from the Embassy to facilitate their return home.
According to the Prime CS, the mission has already rescued several citizens from military facilities and issued them emergency travel documents.
"The governments of Kenya and Russia have also reached an agreement that those being held without their consent should be released to our Mission in Moscow with immediate effect," he said.
"The Embassy will also continue to be in contact where possible with the others and facilitate those who manage to get out of the camps and wish to return home."
Mudavadi also directed immigration and security agencies to tighten screening at airports and border points to prevent illegal recruitment.
"The Mission in Moscow has issued a public statement on its website and social media channels advising Kenyans planning to visit the Russian Federation and the accredited regions to be vigilant," he said.
"All Kenyans visiting the region are encouraged to register themselves with the Mission and exercise their right to access consular services."
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