Revealed: 18 Kenyans Rescued from Russia–Ukraine War

By Brian Kiprono - Reporter

Kenya, 17 December 2025 - Eighteen Kenyans caught in the Russia–Ukraine conflict have been safely repatriated, some bearing severe injuries, as the Government intensifies efforts to dismantle rogue recruitment networks responsible for luring citizens into dangerous overseas schemes.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr Musalia Mudavadi, confirmed the rescue in an official update.

“The Government affirms that through these interventions, 18 Kenyans have been rescued, issued with Emergency Travel Documents, and safely repatriated to Kenya,” he said.

The returnees are part of a larger group of Kenyans deceived into accepting what appeared to be legitimate jobs abroad, only to find themselves recruited into the Russian military or stranded in conflict zones.

Locations with Kenyan nationals include Belgorod, Istra near the Wagner Military Base, St Petersburg, and Rostov-on-Don.

According to the Government, credible reports suggest that more than 200 Kenyans may have been recruited since the onset of the war in 2022. Embassy findings show that some have suffered injuries, while others remain trapped after failed recruitment attempts.

“The Government has received multiple emails and urgent communications from Kenyans in distress in various military camps,” Mudavadi noted.

“Several have reported injuries among Kenyans, and others are stranded following attempted recruitment into the conflict.”

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The Embassy in Moscow has issued public alerts advising Kenyans in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan to register with the mission for monitoring and protection.“The Mission advised all Kenyans… to register with the Embassy upon arrival, enabling timely monitoring, consular assistance and protection,” the statement read.

Mudavadi added that the 18 returnees will undergo a structured reintegration process.

“The 18 repatriated Kenyans, and others facing similar challenges, will undergo a reintegration programme to support their full return to normal life,” he stated.

In a broader crackdown, the Government is deregistering more than 600 non-compliant recruitment agencies, citing their role in deceptive overseas job placements. It urged young Kenyans to verify job offers through official channels.

“This will ensure no Kenyan is lured by ruthless agents to get trapped in dangerous situations,” Mudavadi said.

The Government further confirmed ongoing talks with Russian and Ukrainian authorities to secure the return of Kenyans still stranded or held in military camps.