Eighteen Kenyans who have been fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war have been rescued and repatriated to Kenya.
In a statement on Wednesday, December 17, the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary said the 18 Kenyan nationals were rescued following an intervention by the Kenyan government.
The office noted that the rescued Kenyans were issued emergency travel documents and repatriated to Kenya.
“The Government affirms that through these interventions, 18 Kenyan citizens have been successfully rescued, issued with Emergency Travel Documents, and safely repatriated to Kenya.
“The attached list details the affected individuals, including their travel documentation, dates of travel, and airlines,” read the statement in part.
The rescued Kenyans include: Benson Osieko, Shaquille Wambo, Pius Mwika, Derick Njaga, Kevin Kariuki Nduma, George Mwagona, Vincent Awiti, Wilson Mwanyalo, Orima Jobick and Daniel Moogi.
Others are: Daniel Muriuki, Hitsangi Matano, Newton Maliro, Charles Lengine, John Ngeru, Stanley Mungai, Brian Kimutai and Michael Barasa.
Mudavadi’s office said the repatriated Kenyans will undergo a reintegration programme to support their full return to normal life.
According to the office, at least 200 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia since the Russia-Ukraine conflict started in 2022.
“Credible reports indicate that more than 200 Kenyans may have been recruited, with networks believed to remain active in both Kenya and the Russian Federation.
“The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has confirmed cases of injuries among Kenyan nationals, and others left stranded after attempted recruitment,” the office stated.
Further, Mudavadi’s office said the government is engaging Russia to facilitate the movement of Kenyan nationals, including those in military camps, to Kenya’s Mission in Moscow for onward repatriation.
“Similarly, the Government is in talks with the Ukrainian authorities to facilitate the release and safe return of any Kenyan nationals allegedly held as prisoners of war,” the office added.
Additionally, the office advised Kenyans looking for job offers abroad to liaise with the Ministries of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and Labour and Social Protection to verify the authenticity of opportunities.
This comes weeks after a Kenyan national fighting for Russia against Ukraine died while on the battlefield.
Martin Mburu, who hailed from Kirinyaga Central, flew to Russia a few weeks ago to take up a military job, oblivious to what lay ahead.
He was reportedly coerced into the Russian military and was to face off with the forces from Kyiv before he died.
Mburu passed away in combat on Thursday, November 27.
The matter had earlier been brought to the attention of the National Assembly on November 19 by Kirinyaga Central Gitari Gachoki, who alleged that Mburu, in the company of another Kenyan, was forced to sign a contract in the Russian military, without experience, to serve in the forces.
Mburu died just after deployment, following their three-day training.
