Kenya Seeks Repatriation of Nationals Forced into Russian Military in Ukraine War
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to identify and repatriate four Kenyan nationals captured in Ukraine, who are believed to have been conscripted into the Russian military under unclear circumstances.
One of the detainees, Evans Kibet, a former athlete who entered Russia on a tourist visa, has provided an account through Ukrainian sources alleging he was coerced into joining the Russian armed forces. According to Kibet, a local contact offered to help him extend his visa and find employment, but instead facilitated his forced enlistment.
He says he was made to sign documents in Russian, give up his passport and phone, and undergo basic military training before being sent to the front line. Kibet claims he was threatened with death when he tried to resist. He later fled and crossed into Ukrainian-controlled territory, where authorities took him into custody.
Ukrainian officials have confirmed his status as a prisoner of war under the Geneva Convention and are providing him with shelter and humanitarian assistance. The conflict in Ukraine, which intensified following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has raised concerns about the involvement of foreign nationals on both sides.
In this context, reports of Kenyan citizens being recruited, possibly under duress, have prompted questions about the exploitation of vulnerable migrants. Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, stated that the Kenyan embassy in Moscow is working with Nairobi to locate the remaining detainees and begin the process of bringing them home.
Ukrainian authorities have indicated their readiness to cooperate, though any releases will depend on legal procedures and diplomatic negotiations.
