Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
The Kenyan government has successfully rescued and repatriated 27 citizens who were stranded in the Russian Federation after being illegally enlisted to fight in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi confirmed the development in a statement released this week, revealing that the rescue was achieved through coordinated diplomatic and consular interventions led by Kenya’s mission in Moscow.
According to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, preliminary records indicate that most of the rescued Kenyans fell victim to recruitment networks linked to the Russian military, having initially been promised legitimate job opportunities abroad.
“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 said.
The latest rescue operations have prompted the government to intensify diplomatic engagement with Russia. Mudavadi disclosed that plans are at an advanced stage for an official visit to Moscow aimed at addressing the circumstances that led to the recruitment of Kenyans into the conflict and preventing similar incidents in the future.
“We have seen loss of lives, and I am planning to make a visit to Moscow, so that we can emphasise that this is something that needs to be arrested,” he stated.
Mudavadi further revealed that Kenya’s Ambassador to Russia, Peter Mathuki, has been actively engaging relevant agencies to streamline labour migration frameworks. He noted that the government is seeking to establish structured bilateral labour agreements similar to those Kenya has signed with countries such as Austria and Germany to guarantee safe and decent employment opportunities for Kenyan workers abroad.
He emphasised that Kenya’s approach remains rooted in diplomacy and dialogue, focusing on safeguarding citizens from exploitation while strengthening legal migration pathways.
Over the weekend, Mudavadi raised fresh concerns over the rising number of Kenyan youths being lured into unsafe overseas employment, particularly in conflict-affected regions. He cited distressing accounts from some of the rescued nationals, who reported being forced to assemble drones and handle hazardous chemicals without proper training or protective equipment.
“We are concerned that even some don’t inform their families when they travel and later fall victim to what is happening on the war front,” Mudavadi regretted, adding that some victims sustained severe injuries and suffered exploitation while working under the Russian military.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary warned that the risks facing Kenyans abroad extend beyond war recruitment, citing cases of forced criminal activity, including drug trafficking and forced labour. He also raised alarm over reported cases of human trafficking linked to illegal organ transplant networks.
“There are many traps other than the famous debate on recruits for war in Russia. Incidents of human trafficking linked to human organ transplant have been reported, and also some cases of drug trafficking and other indecent jobs where our brothers and sisters fall victim,” he warned.
Mudavadi noted that upon their return, the government is providing the rescued Kenyans with comprehensive psycho-social support to facilitate recovery and reintegration into society. The State Department for Diaspora Affairs, he said, is implementing a structured reintegration programme designed to support the returnees’ physical, mental, and social well-being.
He also disclosed that President William Ruto has engaged the Ukrainian government through diplomatic channels to secure the release of Kenyans detained as prisoners of war, with efforts ongoing to ensure their safe return home.
The government has reiterated its commitment to protecting Kenyans seeking opportunities abroad while cautioning citizens against engaging with unverified recruitment agencies and illegal migration networks.
