Kenya Moves to Repatriate Over 1,000 Citizens Caught in Russia-Ukraine War

Kenya Moves to Repatriate Over 1,000 Citizens Caught in Russia-Ukraine War

Nairobi, Kenya – The government has intensified efforts to secure the safe return of more than 1,000 Kenyan nationals caught up in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, amid growing pressure from families demanding urgent intervention.

On Friday, February 20, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei held separate meetings with the ambassadors of Russia and Ukraine in Nairobi, seeking to establish mechanisms for repatriation and consular access. The talks followed a National Intelligence Service (NIS) report tabled in Parliament on Thursday, which revealed that 89 Kenyans are currently on the frontlines, 39 are hospitalised, and 28 remain missing in action.

“During our discussions, I underscored the government’s serious concern regarding Kenyans captured on the frontlines of the Russian-Ukrainian war and held as POWs,” Sing’Oei said in a statement.

Families Demand Action

Even before the NIS report was made public, families of Kenyans believed to be fighting in Ukraine gathered at Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi on February 19 for a peaceful protest and prayer session. Holding placards with photos of their relatives and slogans such as “Bring our sons home,” the families petitioned senior government officials, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, to act swiftly.

“We want our children back. The government must intervene to save lives,” one parent said during the protest.

Talks with Ukraine and Russia

Sing’Oei met with Ukrainian Ambassador Yurii Tokar, raising concerns about Kenyan nationals affected by the conflict and exploring possible repatriation channels. He also addressed the issue of fraudulent recruitment of Kenyans into the war, noting that domestic measures were being taken to curb such practices.

Separately, Sing’Oei met Russian Ambassador Vsevolod Tkachenko, requesting full consular access to Kenyans in conflict zones and transparent procedures for repatriating prisoners of war and the remains of deceased nationals.

“I called for unimpeded consular access to our citizens and sought clear, transparent protocols regarding the repatriation of both prisoners of war and the remains of the deceased,” Sing’Oei added.

He welcomed Russia’s efforts to crack down on fake recruitment agencies that have allegedly lured Kenyans into joining the conflict under false pretenses.

Parliamentary Pressure

The NIS report, presented by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, has heightened parliamentary scrutiny of the government’s response. Lawmakers have urged the Foreign Affairs Ministry to provide regular updates and ensure coordination with international partners to protect Kenyan nationals.

The petition submitted to Parliament and the Senate calls for immediate action to facilitate repatriation and safeguard Kenyans from further exploitation by fraudulent recruiters.

Broader Context

Kenya’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war has largely been through its citizens recruited under questionable circumstances. Analysts warn that the situation underscores vulnerabilities in overseas employment practices and the urgent need for stronger regulation of recruitment agencies.

Human rights groups have also raised concerns about the welfare of Kenyans trapped in conflict zones, stressing that the government must prioritize humanitarian assistance and safe passage.

Conclusion

With over 1,000 Kenyans reportedly caught in the Russia-Ukraine war, the government’s diplomatic engagements with Moscow and Kyiv mark a critical step toward securing their safe return. As families continue to demand urgent action, the success of these negotiations will test Kenya’s ability to protect its citizens abroad while addressing the root causes of fraudulent recruitment.

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Kenya Moves to Repatriate Over 1,000 Citizens Caught in Russia-Ukraine War