By Eddah Waithaka
The Kenyan government has successfully rescued and repatriated 27 citizens who found themselves on the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war after falling victim to illicit recruitment networks.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, confirmed the operation this week. He credited Kenya’s mission in Moscow with coordinating the swift diplomatic and consular intervention that secured the nationals’ safe return.
“We have facilitated 27 Kenyans to come back home away from the frontline and from what they thought were different jobs but ended up being lured into battle,” Mudavadi stated.
This successful rescue now propels the government to pursue higher-level talks. Mudavadi announced he will lead a delegation to Moscow in March to engage directly with Russian authorities.
The visit aims to address the root causes of the recruitment and prevent further exploitation of Kenyan citizens.“We have seen loss of lives, and I am planning to make a visit to Moscow to emphasise that this is something that needs to be arrested,” Mudavadi said.
He highlighted the need for structured bilateral labour agreements, similar to those Kenya holds with countries like Germany and Austria, to ensure Kenyans access only legitimate and decent jobs abroad.
The Cabinet Secretary raised the alarm over broader patterns of exploitation, detailing disturbing accounts from returnees. Some reported being forced to assemble drones and handle hazardous chemicals without training or protective gear, while others suffered severe injuries and exploitation.
“We are concerned that some don’t inform their families when they travel and later fall victim on the war front,” Mudavadi noted, warning that the threats extend beyond combat to include forced criminality, drug trafficking, and even organ trafficking rings.
Following their return, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs is providing the 27 individuals with comprehensive psychosocial support and guiding them through a structured reintegration programme to aid their physical, mental, and social recovery.
In parallel, Mudavadi confirmed that President William Ruto has personally engaged the Ukrainian government regarding Kenyans detained as prisoners of war, pursuing all diplomatic avenues to secure their release and safe return home.
