The Kenyan government is pleading with Ukraine for assistance in repatriating Kenyan citizens captured while fighting for Russia in the ongoing war. Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’oei formally requested support from Ukrainian Ambassador to Kenya Yurii Tokar for consular help and repatriation.

• Korir Sing’oei met with Yurii Tokar on Monday, October 6, to discuss the issue.
• Several Kenyans, including Evans Kibet, were reportedly trafficked to Russia under false employment pretenses and subsequently captured by Ukrainian forces.
• The Kenyan government asserts that most Kenyans involved were victims of manipulation and trafficking, not willing combatants.
• This follows the rescue of four Kenyans from Russian army recruitment and a Russian man's arrest on Thursday, September 25, for allegedly recruiting Kenyans.
• 22 Kenyans were rescued from an apartment in Athi River, reportedly promised jobs but destined to fight in Ukraine, having signed contracts requiring payments up to $18,000 (Ksh2,331,000).

Kenya and Russia are formalizing a framework for regular migration to protect Kenyan nationals from exploitation, particularly concerning irregular conscriptions into the Russian military. This follows bilateral talks between Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei and Russian Ambassador Vsevolod Tkachenko in Nairobi.

• Kenya’s move aims to prevent citizens from being irregularly conscripted into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a growing concern with multiple repatriations already.
• The Russian government has assured Nairobi of its zero-tolerance policy towards involuntary recruitment of foreign nationals, despite reports of Kenyans fighting for Russia.
• Kenya has launched an inquiry into human trafficking networks promising lucrative jobs in Russia but funnelling individuals into military service, with a recruitment ring already busted in Athi River.