Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has criticized the government for failing to act on the recruitment of Kenyans to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
In a statement on Thursday, February 19, Muturi called on the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Labour, and the State Department for Foreign Affairs to provide clear information on who authorized the recruitment.
He also demanded details on the number of Kenyans currently involved in the conflict and the measures being taken to secure their return.
Ex-Public Service CS Warns Government on Citizens Recruited for Russia-Ukraine War. Photo: Courtesy.
Muturi urged the government to ensure the immediate repatriation of citizens believed to be involved in the Russia-Ukraine war, even as investigations continue.
“The Ministries responsible: Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Labour – must answer plainly: Who authorized or permitted this recruitment? How many Kenyans are currently in the conflict zone? And what concrete steps are being taken to secure their immediate return? Investigations may continue, but the first responsibility of the State is clear: secure the safe return of those who are alive and ensure that those who have tragically lost their lives are brought home with dignity and honour,” said Muturi.
Muturi further emphasized that accountability must follow once the affected Kenyans are brought home.
He warned that those responsible whether private individuals or public officials must face the full force of the law, insisting that accountability should be “real, visible, and uncompromising.”
His remarks come after Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced plans to travel to Russia.
In a statement on Tuesday, February 10, Mudavadi said he would meet a Russian delegation to address the matter and prevent further Kenyans from being exposed to danger.
He added that the visit would involve direct engagement with the Russian government to resolve the issue.
The Prime CS also revealed that the government has so far rescued 27 Kenyans who were stranded in Russia after being illegally recruited to fight in the war.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei stated that the government is ramping up diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Kenyans who were irregularly recruited to fight in the conflict.
