Govt moves to rescue Kenyans trapped in Russia-Ukraine conflict
By Nancy Marende, October 27, 2025The government has moved to secure the release and safe return of its citizens reportedly caught up in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In a statement on Monday, October 27, 2025, the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary confirmed that it has been engaging the Russian authorities to resolve the plight of Kenyans allegedly detained or stranded in various military camps across the Russian Federation.
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“The Government has taken note of media reports of Kenyans caught up in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and takes this opportunity to update its citizens and the world on the actions being taken to resolve the situation,” the statement read in part.
According to the office, officials from Kenya and Russia held a high-level meeting last month to address the issue and explore ways to facilitate the safe passage of affected Kenyans to Kenya’s Mission in Moscow. From there, arrangements are being made for their repatriation back home.
Further, it revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation acknowledged the complexity of the matter, noting that it involves individuals from multiple countries who were drawn into military operations through voluntary recruitment contracts.
However, some of the recruitment has been linked to unscrupulous agents posing as Russian government representatives.
“The system has been made complicated by agents who masquerade as working with the Russian Government and use falsified information to lure innocent Kenyans into the battlefield,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the government expressed deep concern that its young citizens continue to fall victim to such deceitful recruitment schemes.
The government urged security and immigration officials to heighten vigilance at airports and border points to intercept and prosecute individuals or networks involved in illegal recruitment.
Similarly, the office revealed that through its Embassy in Moscow, the Government has already rescued several Kenyans who were being held at military bases and facilitated their safe return home.
The rescued individuals were issued emergency travel documents and reunited with their families.
Additionally, the governments of Kenya and Russia have reached an understanding that any Kenyan held without consent will be released immediately to the Kenyan Mission in Moscow. The embassy will continue coordinating with Russian authorities and assisting others who wish to return home.
The Mission in Moscow has also issued a public advisory on its website and social media platforms, urging Kenyans planning to visit Russia or its neighboring regions to exercise caution and register with the Mission upon arrival.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its diplomatic and economic relations with Russia. Both countries are currently working on a Bilateral Labour Agreement that will provide Kenyans with access to legitimate job opportunities in Russia under regulated frameworks.
“The Government remains committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all Kenyan citizens abroad,” the statement concluded.