The government has announced the rescue of another Kenyan
who had been irregularly conscripted to serve in the Russian military.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei confirmed
on Tuesday that Kevin Kariuki Nduma is the third Kenyan to be freed from the
dangerous situation and is on his way back home.
“A third Kenyan, Kevin Kariuki Nduma, irregularly
conscripted to serve in the Russian military, is on his way back home. I
commend our Mission in Moscow for the effort to rescue and repatriate Kenyans
caught in this unfortunate and dangerous situation,” Sing’Oei said in a
statement.
He urged Kenyans to exercise extreme caution when pursuing
overseas job opportunities. “We implore Kenyans to exercise all diligence in verifying
the authenticity of any foreign employment contracts and to seek advice from
the Ministry, particularly our Diaspora State Department, should they have any
doubts,” he added.
The government has been grappling with cases of Kenyans
lured abroad with promises of lucrative jobs, only to find themselves
conscripted into military service in conflict zones. Nairobi has repeatedly
warned against falling victim to fraudulent recruitment schemes, particularly
in regions where the risks of exploitation are high.
Nduma’s return marks the third such case handled by Kenyan
authorities, highlighting the growing concern over human trafficking and
irregular recruitment linked to the Russia-Ukraine war.
On September 27, Sing’Oei announced the rescue and
repatriation of three Kenyans trapped in the conflict.
He, however, did not explain how the men ended up in Russia.
“Pleased to inform of rescue and repatriation of three
Kenyans: Shaquille Wambo, Pius Mwika and Derick Njaga by our Mission in Moscow.
The three are safe and on their way home to their families. Our Mission and our
teams at headquarters are doing what we can to address the situation of those
captured as prisoners of war. I thank Ambassador Peter Mathuki and the team,”
Korir said on X.
Additionally, sources indicate two returnees were injured in
the war and are currently hospitalised.
A few days ago, an athlete known as Evans Kibet was arrested
by the Ukrainian army after he surrendered from Russia.
He explained that he had travelled to run and tour the country, but was offered a job a day to the expiry of his visa.
His contact promised to help with the visa issue, brought
documents written in Russian and soon after signing his phone and passport were
taken away.
Kibet would then be driven to a military camp, trained for a
week and sent to the frontlines.
A recent raid in Athi River led to the discovery of 21
Kenyans being processed for travel to Russia, in what appears to be a wider
network of recruitment.
Security officers seized recruitment materials, travel
documents, and job offer letters during the raid.
