No respite for stranded Kenyans in Russian army over contract hurdle

Kenyans recruited to serve in the Russian military will not be immediately repatriated, despite mounting pleas from their families, following diplomatic talks between Nairobi and Moscow.

Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov yesterday, where the two sides agreed that those already enlisted must first formally terminate their contracts with Russia’s defence ministry before any return can be processed.

Lavrov maintained that the recruits joined the military voluntarily and are bound by the terms of their contracts.

“All Kenyans, as well as other nationals who signed contracts, did it voluntarily. The contracts did not have any provision for repatriation. When the contracts are effective, they can terminate this contract, but this is done under the Ministry of Defence,” he said.

Mudavadi echoed the need for a diplomatic resolution, noting that some of the Kenyans involved may have failed to disclose their intentions before leaving the country.

“Some of these Kenyans did not disclose their intentions. In our laws, it is also illegal to do these things,” he said.

During the bilateral talks, however, Kenya secured a key concession from Russia, with both countries agreeing to halt the recruitment of Kenyan citizens into the Russian military.

“We have now agreed that Kenyans shall not be enlisted in the Department of Defence and they will no longer be eligible for enlisting in the military here in Russia,” Mudavadi said while in Moscow.

He added that arrangements are being made to support Kenyans currently hospitalised in Russia through consular assistance.

“The consular services will also be arranged for Kenyans who are in hospital so that they can be assisted according to the law,” he said.

Lavrov also revealed that Kenya and Russia have signed a labour migration agreement to streamline employment processes, insisting that Russia does not actively target specific regions for recruitment.

“Russia does not decide to recruit; people join voluntarily. No one can prevent their citizens from looking for jobs if they want to look for jobs. We don’t target Africa specifically. We have citizens from Asia and other countries,” he said.

Mudavadi emphasised that Kenya is keen to ensure its diplomatic relations with Russia are not defined by the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War.

“We do not want for any reason our partnership with Russia to be considered through the lens of special operations,” he said.

The Foreign Affairs CS travelled to Moscow on Sunday following reports that dozens of Kenyans had been recruited to fight for Russia in the conflict with Ukraine, some through what the government describes as misleading job offers.

Several Kenyans are reported to have died on the battlefield, while others remain stranded in Russia.

Mudavadi said the government is continuing to engage Russian authorities to facilitate the return of those willing to come back home.

“As we resolve the concerns of Kenyan families, I believe we have now found a common ground to ensure no further enlisting,” he said.