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PS Korir Sing’Oei defends govt handling of Kenyans detained in Ukraine
12th November, 2025 04:27 PM
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, has defended the government’s handling of the cases involving Kenyans said to be serving in the Russian military and subsequently detained in Ukraine, explaining the delays in intervention as a result of complex diplomatic and legal considerations.
In a press briefing on Kenya’s Quarterly Foreign Policy, Nairobi on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Sing’Oei clarified that the Ministry has been working closely with Russian authorities both in Moscow and within Russia to ensure that no Kenyans are serving involuntarily in the Russian military.
Also watch: Kenya opens talks with Russia over citizens trapped in Ukraine war
“At the diplomatic level, we have the full assurance of the Russian authorities that the Russian government is not recruiting Kenyans into their military. Under Russian law, there is no prohibition against another joining their forces if they do so voluntarily,” the PS explained.
There have been concerns over the reluctance of the Foreign Affairs docket led by Musalia Mudavadi to address issues affecting Kenyans abroad, such as abductions and forced labour.
In a viral video that circulated online, some Kenyans were seen in military uniforms dancing, saying that they are working for the Russian army in the Ukraine war.
While they did not in detail reveal how they were recruited, the PS has insisted that the government’s focus has been to protect Kenyans from being coerced into foreign military service, which he described as “incompatible with our laws and incompatible with Russian law.”
Also watch: Ruto shares details of his phone call with Ukraine’s Zelensky
D Sing’Oei further revealed that some Kenyans who were on the front lines as part of the Russian military were apprehended by Ukrainian forces and are currently being held as prisoners of war.
“It is not that they were recruited by Ukraine. They are being held as prisoners of war, and we are in contact with the relevant authorities to ensure their welfare and possible release,” he clarified.
Diplomacy to save Kenyans
Addressing concerns about the apparent delay in government intervention, the PS explained that the matter required careful diplomatic engagement due to its sensitivity and the involvement of multiple jurisdictions.
“We are working through proper diplomatic channels to ensure due process and to safeguard the rights of all Kenyans affected,” he said.
Watch: PS Sing’oei explains why govt took long to intervene in Bob Njagi and Oyoo case
Moreover, he said efforts are underway to trace and repatriate the body of a Kenyan said to have died in Jerusalem.
“We are working diplomatically through our missions to establish the whereabouts of his. We want to assure the family, just like we assured the families of Oyoo and Njagi, that the Government of Kenya is doing everything possible,” he asserted.
He, however, admitted that ongoing unrest in some regions may prolong the process but reiterated the government’s commitment.
“Given the scope of the unrest in various capitals and towns, it might take a while for us to get to the bottom of this, but we are putting our best foot forward,” he said.
