Eighteen Kenyans have been repatriated from Russia, some with serious injuries sustained while fighting in Ukraine.
Consequently, the government has deregistered more than 600 non-compliant agencies that facilitated their travel to Russia and is in talks with Ukraine to release Kenyan prisoners of war.
According to a document from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seen by the Daily Nation, some Kenyans have died, others are injured while many remain stranded in Russia and Ukraine after being lured into what they thought were legitimate opportunities abroad.
Records indicate that the Kenyans are in multiple locations, including Belgorod, Istra (Wagner Military Base), St Petersburg and Rostov-On-Don.
In Belgorod, twenty Kenyans were identified, one confirmed dead and the remaining still in camp.
Istra had 29 Kenyans but three have been returned home. St Petersburg camp had 26 Kenyans before four were sent back home with – some with serious injuries, including amputations.
Martin Mwangi (not his real name) during an interview at Nation Centre on December 10, 2025. He was rescued after allegedly being forced to fight for Russia in Ukraine war.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
Those flown back home are Mr Benson Osomo Osieko, Mr Shaquille Wambo, Mr Pius Mwika, Mr Derrick Njaga, Mr Kevin Kariuki Nduma, Mr George Rimba Mwagona, Mr Vincent Odhiambo Awiti, Mr Wilson Mwaoka Mwanyalo, Mr Orima Jobick Otieno, Mr Daniel Moogi, Mr Daniel Muriuki, Mr Chitsangi Matano Athman, Mr Newton Maliro, Mr Charles Lengine, Mr John Ngeru Kariuki, Mr Stanley Mungai, Mr Brian Kimutai and Mr Michael Barasa.
“The government affirms that through these interventions, eighteen Kenyans have been rescued, issued with emergency travel documents and safely repatriated to Kenya,” said Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
He added that the government has a fully-fledged counselling unit that offers psycho-social support to the returnees, their families and other Kenyans in distress under the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.
“The 18 repatriated Kenyans and others facing similar challenges will undergo a reintegration programme to support their full return to normal life,” Mr Mudavadi added.
Recruitment into the Russian military is said to have grown to include Africans from February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.
Reports indicate that more than 200 Kenyans may have been recruited into the Russian military, with networks still active in the two countries.
The Kenyan embassy in Moscow has confirmed cases injuries among Kenyans, with many others left stranded after attempts to recruit them failed.
“The government has received multiple emails and urgent communication from Kenyans in distress in military camps in the Russian Federation,” Mr Mudavadi said.
“Several have reported injuries among Kenyans and others are stranded following attempted recruitment into the conflict.”
Mr Mudavadi, who is also the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, said upon confirming the drafting of Kenyans into the Russian military, the mission in Moscow issued public alerts through its website and social media platforms.
“The mission advised Kenyans travelling to or residing in the Russian Federation and the Republics of Belarus and Kazakhstan to register with the embassy upon arrival, enabling timely monitoring, consular assistance and protection,” he said.
Kenyan ambassador to Russia Peter Mathuki.
Photo credit: EAC Media Centre
Mr Mudavadi advised young Kenyans who get offers abroad to liaise with the Ministries of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and Labour and Social Protection to verify the authenticity of the opportunities.
“This will ensure no Kenyan is lured by ruthless agents to get trapped in dangerous situations,” he said.
The government says it is enforcing strict licensing, vetting and monitoring of recruitment agencies, while making registration with the National Employment Authority mandatory for local and foreign recruiters.
It adds that it has stepped up measures to protect Kenyans abroad, including tightening hiring regulations, deregistering rogue agencies and expanding verified labour placement programmes.
Kenyan ambassador to Russia Peter Mathuki said the mission continues to liaise with Kenyans in distress for evacuation
