Kenyans in Russia remain unaccounted for, and lawmakers have expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation from Russian authorities, saying the slow pace of information sharing is preventing the government from taking timely action to protect its citizens.
During a session in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Nelson Koech, chairperson of the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, reported that the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has repeatedly sought verification from Moscow regarding two missing Kenyans allegedly recruited into Russia’s military. Despite these efforts, no official response has been received.
Koech told legislators that the Ministry continues to pursue information on Clinton Nyapara Mogesa and Justus Mayienda Ombati, but Russian officials have not confirmed the status of either individual.
“There has been no official confirmation of the death of Clinton Nyapara Mogesa or information regarding Justus Mayienda Ombati from Russian authorities. Our Embassy in Moscow has written to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and continues to follow up,” Koech said.
He explained that the government’s ability to respond to Kenyans in distress abroad is limited unless cases are reported directly by families or diaspora members. The 24-hour Diaspora Call Centre remains the main channel for such reports and coordination of support.
Koech further disclosed that Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is set to travel to Moscow to hold discussions with his Russian counterpart. The visit aims to address missing Kenyan cases and boost bilateral efforts against fraudulent recruitment agencies preying on job seekers.
The government continues to engage with the Russian Embassy in Nairobi to follow up on cases and dismantle illegal visa schemes. Koech also highlighted broader protective measures, noting that Kenya has signed Bilateral Labour Agreements with countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom. Welfare checks are conducted through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, and Labour Attachés are posted to Kenyan missions abroad.
He urged Kenyans seeking jobs overseas to register with their nearest embassy to ensure accountability and timely consular assistance.
“While the government continues to put in place protective mechanisms, evidence shows that some Kenyans are voluntarily joining the Russian military, driven by economic motives,” Koech said.
“We strongly urge Kenyans to desist from taking up jobs in the Russian army. That is an active war zone, and death is almost guaranteed.”
A report from the National Intelligence Service indicates that around 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine after being promised skilled employment, only to be sent to the frontlines.
The report, presented in Parliament by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, alleges that certain Russian embassy officials collaborated with recruitment agencies to mislead Kenyans into believing they would secure skilled jobs, using tourist visas as cover.
The Russian Embassy in Nairobi has denied the claims, insisting it does not issue visas to individuals intending to fight in Ukraine. The embassy added that foreign nationals may voluntarily enlist in the Russian armed forces.
Ichung’wah reported that intelligence findings show 89 Kenyans deployed to the front line, 39 hospitalized, 28 missing, some returned home, and at least one confirmed dead. The report also identifies recruitment agencies alleged to have facilitated these travels.
