18 Kenyans caught up in Russia-Ukraine war repatriated as Government moves to deregister rogue recruiters
Current reports suggest that at least 82 Kenyans remain involved in Russian military operations in Ukraine.
Eighteen Kenyans have returned home from Russia, some suffering serious injuries after being caught up in the Ukraine conflict.
This is as the government moves to deregister more than 600 recruitment agencies that failed to comply with regulations, and is negotiating with Ukrainian authorities for the release of Kenyan prisoners of war.
Current reports suggest that at least 82 Kenyans remain involved in Russian military operations in Ukraine.
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According to a statement from the Ministry of Affairs, while some Kenyans have died, others are injured, and several remain stranded in Russia and Ukraine after being persuaded to accept what appeared to be legitimate employment opportunities abroad.
The records show that Kenyans are spread across multiple locations, including Belgorod, Istra (near the Wagner Military Base), St. Petersburg, and Rostov-on-Don.
The Belgorod camp held 20 Kenyans, one confirmed dead, with the remainder still in the camp. Istra had 29 Kenyans, three of whom have been repatriated.
In St Petersburg, 26 Kenyans were present before four were returned home, some with severe injuries, including amputations. Two Kenyans remain in Rostov-On-Don, while six others are in unspecified locations.
Those flown back to Kenya 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.
“The government affirms that through these interventions, eighteen Kenyans have been rescued, issued with emergency travel documents and safely repatriated to Kenya,” said Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
He added that a dedicated counselling unit under the State Department for Diaspora Affairs is providing psycho-social support to the returnees, their families, and other Kenyans facing distress.
“The 18 repatriated Kenyans, and others facing similar challenges, will undergo a reintegration programme to support their full return to normal life,” Mudavadi added.
Recruitment into the Russian military reportedly intensified after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, with more than 200 Kenyans believed to have been recruited. Many Kenyans were stranded or injured when recruitment attempts failed.
“The government has received multiple emails and urgent communication from Kenyans in distress in military camps in the Russian Federation,” Mudavadi said.
“Several have reported injuries among Kenyans, and others are stranded following attempted recruitment into the conflict.”
The Kenyan embassy in Moscow issued public alerts confirming the drafting of Kenyans into the Russian military.
“The mission advised Kenyans travelling to or residing in the Russian Federation and the Republics of Belarus and Kazakhstan to register with the embassy upon arrival, enabling timely monitoring, consular assistance and protection,” Mudavadi said.
He also urged young Kenyans to verify overseas job opportunities with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, as well as Labour and Social Protection.
“This will ensure no Kenyan is lured by ruthless agents to get trapped in dangerous situations,” he said.
The government has strengthened measures to protect Kenyans abroad, including strict vetting, licensing, and monitoring of recruitment agencies.
Registration with the National Employment Authority is now mandatory for all recruiters. The Kenyan ambassador to Russia, Peter Mathuki, said the mission continues to communicate with stranded citizens and facilitate their safe evacuation.
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