Government admits Kenyans trapped in Russian army camps

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi says Kenya has been engaging in talks with Moscow to secure the release of the affected Kenyans. [File, Standard]

For the first time since The Standard exposed how young Kenyans are languishing in Russian military camps, the government has acknowledged that its citizens are indeed caught up in the conflict.

In a statement released on Monday, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that Kenyan nationals are among foreign recruits in the Russian war.

“The Government has taken note of media reports of Kenyans who are caught up in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and takes this opportunity to update its citizens and the world on the action the Government is taking to resolve the situation,” the statement read.

Mudavadi revealed that Kenya has been engaging in high-level diplomatic talks with Moscow “for several months” to secure the release and safe passage home of the affected Kenyans saying a meeting between Kenyan and Russian officials was held last month to discuss the plight of those detained in various military camps across the Russian Federation.

Mudavadi’s statement further revealed that the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the complexity of the situation, saying it involves victims of multiple nationalities and networks of recruiters who use deceitful tactics to lure job seekers into combat roles. 

According to the statement, the Kenyan Mission in Moscow is now trying to establish the exact number of citizens detained in military camps and has rescued several, facilitating their travel documents for safe return home.

Mudavadai further said that both governments have reached an agreement to release all those being held without their consent to Kenya’s embassy in Moscow “with immediate effect.” And that the embassy will also remain in contact with others still in captivity and offer support to those who manage to escape.

He directed immigration and security agencies to heighten vigilance at airports and other border points to detect and arrest agents illegally recruiting Kenyans.

“All Kenyans visiting the region are encouraged to register themselves with the Mission and exercise their right to access consular services,” said the statement.