Mudavadi, Mutua, AG Oduor to Face Senate Over Recruitment of Kenyans Into Russian Military

Mudavadi, Mutua, AG Oduor to Face Senate Over Recruitment of Kenyans Into Russian Military

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua and Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor are set to appear before the Senate on September 29 over the recruitment of Kenyans into the Russian military.

The three senior government officials were summoned after failing to attend a joint Senate hearing on Tuesday, September 15, where lawmakers were investigating the circumstances surrounding Kenyans who travelled to Russia and were reportedly recruited into foreign military service.

The hearing was being conducted jointly by the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare and the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations.

However, the proceedings were halted after Mudavadi, Mutua and Oduor failed to appear before the committees.

Mudavadi and Mutua reportedly attributed their absence to a Cabinet meeting held in Kisumu, while the Attorney-General’s office informed the Senate that Oduor was out of town.

The committees subsequently resolved to postpone the hearing and issue fresh summons to ensure the three officials attend the next session.

“The hearing was postponed to 29 September 2026 to ensure the relevant CSs and AG are present to respond to the petitioners and answer questions over the recruitment of Kenyans into foreign military service, the agencies involved and the steps being taken to secure the release and safe return of those affected.”

The Senate inquiry comes amid growing concern from families of Kenyans who travelled to Russia and were allegedly recruited into military-related activities.

During Tuesday’s hearing, relatives of affected Kenyans were expected to present their concerns to the Senate committees. Seven representatives attended the session on behalf of more than 800 families whose relatives are reportedly affected by the recruitment issue.

The families are seeking answers about how the Kenyans were recruited, the agencies or individuals involved and the steps being taken by the government to assist those affected.

The Senate committees are also expected to question the government over the circumstances under which Kenyans were able to travel to Russia and subsequently enter foreign military service.

The September 29 hearing is expected to provide an opportunity for the government officials to respond directly to the concerns raised by the families and explain measures being taken to establish the whereabouts and circumstances of the affected Kenyans.

The committees will also seek information on efforts to secure the release and safe return of Kenyans who may have become involved in foreign military service.

The issue has raised broader questions about the protection of Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad, particularly where recruitment arrangements may expose them to military activities or other risks.

The Senate investigation is expected to examine the role of government agencies in monitoring recruitment and overseas employment, as well as whether affected families received adequate information or assistance.

Mudavadi, who oversees key aspects of Kenya’s foreign relations, Mutua, who is responsible for labour matters, and Oduor, as the country’s Attorney-General, are expected to provide information within their respective areas of responsibility.

The committees have now set September 29 as the new date for the hearing.

The appearance of the three officials will allow senators to hear responses from the government alongside accounts from families representing the affected Kenyans.

The Senate committees are also expected to use the hearing to establish the actions already taken and determine what further measures may be required to assist Kenyans caught up in the recruitment into foreign military service.

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Mudavadi, Mutua, AG Oduor to Face Senate Over Recruitment of Kenyans Into Russian Military