More than a dozen Kenyans rescued from Russia–Ukraine war return home

Kenya secured the return of 18 citizens involved in the Russia-Ukraine war and said more of its nationals were still stranded in military camps in Russia.

The rescued men have been repatriated to their country and will be rehabilitated to support their return to normal life, the foreign ministry said.

They are among more than 200 Kenyans that authorities previously said had joined mercenary forces fighting for Russia in the war.

Some are still stranded in various military camps in Russia and had made distress calls to the Kenyan government, Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi said.

Kenya's embassy in Moscow has confirmed injuries among some of the recruits and others left stranded after attempted recruitment, he added.

More than 1,400 citizens from across Africa are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, with some recruited through deception, the Ukrainian government said last month.

Prisoners of war

Talks were ongoing with Ukranian authorities for the release and return of any Kenyans held as prisoners of war,

“The government affirms that decisive actions and measures are being undertaken to safeguard and secure the return of Kenyan nationals affected by the Russia–Ukraine conflict,” the foreign ministry said.

The Kenyan minister warned that recruitment networks remain active through shadowy labour networks operating in both Kenya and Russia. Many recruits are believed to have travelled in search of legitimate employment, only to find themselves absorbed into military camps near active conflict zones.

Kenyan citizens living in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan have been urged to register with the embassy in Moscow to enable “timely monitoring, consular assistance and protection”.

The minister said Kenyan was keen too maintain diplomatic engagement with Russia, including discussions on a bilateral labour framework aimed at regulating employment pathways and preventing future abuse.