Eighteen Kenyans who had been fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war have been rescued and repatriated to Kenya.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 17, the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary said the rescue followed direct intervention by the Kenyan government.
The office said the affected nationals were issued with emergency travel documents before being safely returned to the country, adding that details of the individuals, including their travel documents, dates of travel, and airlines used, had been documented.
Kenyans Who Joined Russia in Ukraine War Rescued, Brought Back Home. Photo: Courtesy.
The rescued Kenyans were identified as Benson Osieko, Shaquille Wambo, Pius Mwika, Derick Njaga, Kevin Kariuki Nduma, George Mwagona, Vincent Awiti, Wilson Mwanyalo, Orima Jobick, Daniel Moogi, Daniel Muriuki, Hitsangi Matano, Newton Maliro, Charles Lengine, John Ngeru, Stanley Mungai, Brian Kimutai, and Michael Barasa.
Mudavadi’s office said the returnees will undergo a reintegration programme and noted that more than 200 Kenyans may have been recruited to fight for Russia since the conflict began in 2022, with some injured or stranded.
The government is engaging Russian and Ukrainian authorities to facilitate the return of Kenyan nationals, including those allegedly held as prisoners of war.
The advisory also urged Kenyans seeking jobs abroad to verify opportunities through relevant government ministries, coming weeks after a Kenyan national, Martin Mburu, died while fighting in Ukraine after allegedly being coerced into military service.
