The Kenyan government has raised fresh concerns over the exploitation of its citizens abroad after successfully rescuing and repatriating 27 Kenyans who were illegally recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said the rescued nationals were among a growing number of young Kenyans being lured overseas through irregular recruitment networks and false promises of employment.
The latest rescue, he noted, was carried out through diplomatic and consular interventions coordinated by Kenya’s mission in Moscow.
“We have facilitated 27 Kenyans to come back home away from the frontline and from what they thought were different jobs but ended up being lured into battle,” Mudavadi said.
According to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, most of those rescued had fallen victim to recruitment networks linked to the Russian military.
Mudavadi warned that the cases point to a wider and more troubling trend of Kenyan youth being exposed to unsafe and illegal work environments abroad.
Over the weekend, the Prime CS expressed concern over rising reports of Kenyans being drawn into hazardous jobs, particularly in countries involved in conflict.
He cited accounts from rescued nationals who said they were forced to assemble drones and handle dangerous chemicals without proper training or protective equipment.
Mudavadi said misinformation, illegal recruitment channels and deception were driving many Kenyans into risky situations.
“We are concerned that even some don’t inform their families when they travel and later fall victim to what is happening on the war front,” he said, adding that some returnees reported serious injuries and exploitation while working under the Russian military.
Beyond the battlefield, Mudavadi cautioned that Kenyans abroad also face the risk of being coerced into criminal activities.
He warned of cases involving forced labour, drug trafficking and alleged human trafficking linked to organ transplants.
“There are many traps other than the famous debate on recruits for war in Russia. Incidents of human-trafficking linked to human organs transplant have been reported, and also some cases of drug-trafficking and other indecent jobs where our brothers and sisters fall victim,” he said.
In response to the latest developments, Mudavadi announced that plans are at an advanced stage for him to visit Moscow in March to engage directly with the Russian government.
He said the visit would focus on addressing how Kenyans are drawn into the conflict and on preventing further exposure of citizens to danger.
“We have seen loss of lives, and I am planning to make a visit to Moscow, so that we can emphasise that this is something that needs to be arrested,” Mudavadi said.
He added that Kenya is seeking structured bilateral labour agreements to ensure citizens access legitimate and decent jobs abroad.
The Prime CS said Kenya’s Ambassador to Russia, Peter Mathuki, has been engaging relevant agencies, drawing lessons from existing labour arrangements with countries such as Austria and Germany.
Following their return, Mudavadi said the rescued Kenyans are enrolled in a comprehensive psychosocial support programme to aid recovery and reintegration.
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs, he said, guides returnees through a structured process addressing their physical, mental and social well-being.
Mudavadi also disclosed that President William Ruto has previously engaged the Ukrainian government over Kenyans detained as prisoners of war, using diplomatic channels to secure their release and safe return to the country.
