Two Kenyan nationals are currently being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine, the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, has revealed in a statement to the National Assembly.
Speaking on a matter of national concern regarding the recruitment of Kenyans into Russia’s Special Military Operations, Mudavadi disclosed that about 252 Kenyans may have been enlisted in the Russian military initiative, though the exact figure is yet to be verified.
“Mr. Speaker, to date, forty-seven Kenyans have been rescued, with the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow facilitating their safe return home,” Mudavadi said.
He confirmed that the two individuals held in Ukraine are Evans Kibet and Macharia Willi Muniu.
“The Kenya Honorary Consul in Kiev has been making consular visits to one Kenyan, and has requested clearance to visit the second. These are the only confirmed cases at the moment,” he added.
The government has engaged the Ukrainian authorities to ensure the safety and eventual repatriation of any Kenyans detained as prisoners of war.
In addition, Mudavadi noted that during his official visit to Moscow, he discussed with the Russian Minister arrangements for transferring Kenyans held in Ukraine to Russia to facilitate their return to Kenya.
“As of the end of March 2026, over 1,000 Kenyan nationals live, work, and study in Russia, including 300 students and 450 employed across various sectors,” Mudavadi informed the Assembly.
The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the modus operandi behind the recruitment, noting that it is largely carried out by unregistered agencies and individuals operating from Kenya, Russia, or third countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
According to Mudavadi, these recruiters exploit tourist visas and transit routes to evade scrutiny at official exit points.
Recruitment efforts primarily target former security personnel and unemployed Kenyans.
However, some individuals holding active security positions in the Middle East have voluntarily joined the Russian operations, driven by financial incentives.
“Contrary to prevailing reports, the majority of Kenyans enlisted in the Special Military Operations of Russia with full knowledge and willingly. They signed contracts either as logistics officers or combatants,” Mudavadi explained.
He outlined the lucrative benefits offered to recruits, which range from signing bonuses of Sh1.5 million to Sh3 million, monthly salaries between Sh50,000 and Sh350,000, promises of citizenship, and significant gratuities upon contract completion.
“These incentives have been a major motivation for Kenyans to enlist,” he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the government is actively monitoring the situation and will continue diplomatic engagement with both Russia and Ukraine to safeguard the welfare of Kenyan nationals abroad.
Mudavadi’s statement comes amid growing concern over the increasing trend of Kenyans joining foreign military operations, raising questions about national security, consular protection, and the legality of recruitment channels.
The National Assembly is expected to hold further discussions on measures to prevent irregular enlistment and to ensure that Kenyans serving abroad are adequately protected.
