Mudavadi in Moscow: Inside plans to rescue Kenyans in Russia-Ukraine war

In Moscow

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi has travelled to Moscow for talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, with the welfare of Kenyans reportedly drafted into the Russian military expected to feature prominently in the discussions.

During his visit, CS Mudavadi will intensify diplomatic efforts to engage directly with Russian authorities to prevent further risks arising from misleading recruitment and false promises of employment.

He is also expected to push for a safe and orderly process for the repatriation of Kenyans affected by the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict.

“The Prime CS will intensify diplomatic efforts to engage directly with Russian authorities through dialogue, to prevent further risks arising from misleading recruitment or false promises of employment. To safeguard Kenyan citizens affected by the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, he will advocate for their safe repatriation,” read an official statement from the ministry on Sunday.

Concerns have been raised over Kenyans reportedly recruited into the Russian military under unclear circumstances amid the four-year Russia–Ukraine war.

According to a report released two weeks ago by Kenya's National Intelligence Service (NIS), a total of 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia.

Presenting the report to MPs, Parliament Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah described a "deeply disturbing" network of rogue state officials allegedly colluding with human trafficking syndicates to recruit and transport Kenyans.

Mr Mudavadi is also expected to establish a clear and transparent framework to safeguard the welfare of Kenyan nationals residing, studying and working in Russia. The visit further aims to deepen bilateral relations in areas such as education, labour mobility, health, infrastructure and energy, while strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation.

Kenya appreciates Russia’s support in advancing education through scholarships and in boosting agricultural productivity through fertilizer assistance, according to Mr  Mudavadi.

Ex-officers 

Data from the Ministry indicates that over 200 Kenyans have been conscripted into Russian Special Military Operations against Ukraine. Some are believed to be former members of the disciplined services, including the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, National Youth Service and Prisons Service.

As of 11 March 2026, the Kenyan Mission in Moscow had identified 252 nationals involved in Russian Special Military Operations.

Of these, 44 have been safely repatriated, 10 are reported missing or killed in action, 38 are hospitalised in various Russian facilities under restricted access and 160 remain actively involved in the operations.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister last week stated that more than 1,700 people from 36 African countries had been recruited to fight for Russia.

In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks to review the current state and future prospects of the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Kenya.

Read: How Kenya got caught up in Iran smuggled planes scandal

The discussions are expected to outline practical steps to strengthen political dialogue and expand cooperation in trade, the economy, and humanitarian exchanges.

“During the meeting, the parties will discuss in detail the current state and prospects for traditionally friendly Russia–Kenya relations, outline practical steps to strengthen political dialogue and contacts in various areas, and expand mutually beneficial partnerships in trade, the economy, and humanitarian exchanges. An engaged exchange of views on international and regional issues of mutual interest will take place, with an eye towards establishing better coordination at the UN and other multilateral venues,” read the statement.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.

[email protected]