The Ministry of Interior has confirmed the repatriation of another Kenyan irregularly enlisted in the Russian military, following coordinated rescue efforts by Kenya’s diplomatic mission in Moscow.
Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei identified the rescued individual as Kevin Kariuki Nduma, marking the fourth Kenyan successfully brought home from the dangerous situation.
“Kevin Kariuki Nduma, who was irregularly conscripted to serve in the Russian military, is on his way back home. I commend our Mission in Moscow for their efforts in rescuing and repatriating Kenyans caught in this unfortunate situation,” Sing’oei stated on Wednesday, October 1.
The PS urged Kenyans seeking employment abroad to exercise caution and thoroughly verify foreign job offers. He emphasized the importance of consulting the Ministry and the Diaspora State Department before accepting overseas contracts.
This rescue comes just days after three other Kenyans—Shaquille Wambo, Pius Mwika, and Derick Njaga—were safely returned on September 27. Sing’oei acknowledged the dedication of Ambassador Peter Mathuki and the team in Moscow for handling these delicate operations.
Reports indicate a troubling pattern of Kenyans being misled into joining the Russian military, with some ending up as prisoners of war in Ukraine.
The situation gained international attention after a video of Evans Kibet, a 36-year-old Kenyan athlete, surfaced showing him pleading to avoid being sent back to Russia while held in Ukrainian custody.
According to Ukrainian officials, citizens from Somalia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cuba, and Sri Lanka are also held in POW camps, often deceived or lured with false employment promises.
Sing’oei reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting Kenyans abroad and continuing diplomatic interventions to ensure their safe return.
By Nairobi