Families of Kenyans stranded in Russia are appealing for urgent government intervention to secure the return of their loved ones amid growing reports of deaths, detentions, and forced recruitment into the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
Reports of Deaths and Detentions
Some Kenyans are reportedly being held as prisoners of war by Ukrainian forces after being captured while fighting alongside Russian troops. The Kenyan government has warned citizens to be wary of recruitment scams targeting jobseekers abroad, stressing that those involved were irregularly recruited.
Citizen TV documented the plight of one family that has been camping at the State Department for Diaspora Affairs offices in Upper Hill, Nairobi since December, seeking help to repatriate the remains of their relative.
Their kin, Oscar Agola Ojiambo, a former Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier, left the country in June last year to join the Russian army. Barely a month later, communication with him was cut off. In December, the family received devastating news of his death.
“Alifika akapiga simu kusema amefika. After one month, communication ikakatika,” said Oscar’s cousin, Evans Agola.
“Latest news ni kwamba Oscar alituacha. Information ilikuja December,” added Peter Shitanda Malalu.
The family says the prolonged silence and lack of clear communication from the ministry has compounded their grief, leaving them in anguish and uncertainty.
Other Families in Distress
Oscar’s family is not alone. Other families have also reported losing contact with relatives believed to have been deployed to the frontlines. One family, requesting anonymity, said they last heard from their loved one in November and fear he may have been forced into combat.
“Tunasikia kuna watu wamekufa, kuna wengine wametoka bila miguu. Sisi tuko na wasiwasi,” said a family member.
In this case, the relative was allegedly lured abroad with a job opportunity, only to be offered a military role upon arrival in Russia. He was reportedly trained for just one month before being sent to the battlefield.
Government Response
Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei acknowledged the situation, noting that some Kenyans had fallen victim to traffickers, cartels, and unscrupulous agents.
“It is a case of vulnerable Kenyans who have been baited with opportunities to go and work as either teachers or domestic workers,” said Dr. Korir.
He confirmed that the Kenyan mission in Moscow has managed to repatriate 28 Kenyans since December last year, with efforts ongoing to bring more home.
“For Kenyans captured by the government of Ukraine and held as prisoners of war, we are in the process of negotiating their release,” he added.
A Grim Picture of Irregular Recruitment
Desperate pleas shared widely on social media continue to paint a grim picture of irregular recruitment, driven in part by soaring unemployment. The government says it is working closely with the Russian Federation’s mission in Nairobi to curb the rising cases and protect vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
Conclusion
The plight of families with loved ones stranded in Russia highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards against irregular recruitment and trafficking. As the government works to repatriate affected Kenyans and negotiate the release of those detained, the situation underscores the human cost of global conflicts and the vulnerabilities faced by jobseekers abroad.
