16 Kenyans reported missing in Russia as 38 hospitalised under restricted access

At least 16 Kenyans have been reported missing in action in Russia, according to Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi.

This comes amid growing concerns about the unlawful enlistment of Kenyans in foreign military operations.

According to Mudavadi, in 24 hours, the number of missing Kenyans increased from 10 to 16. He pointed out that it is still unclear what their precise situation is.

 “When we say missing in action, we cannot pronounce outrightly whether they are dead or whether they are captured,” he told the Senate committee on national security, defence, and foreign relations.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary said the matter has attracted national concern, particularly because it involves the unlawful recruitment of Kenyan youth into Russia’s “special military operations.”

Mudavadi claims that 165 of the 252 Kenyans who are thought to have enrolled are presently serving in combat. Two are prisoners of war, he continued, while 38 others are admitted under restricted access to various Russian hospitals.

“It is illegal to be enlisted into a foreign military without the approval of the state… These Kenyans have broken the law. But we are willing to help them come out of the situation,” he said.

According to Mudavadi, Kenya's diplomatic mission in Russia has only six senior personnel, who have made efforts in repatriating 47 citizens so far.

“There are about 1,000 Kenyan nationals living and working in Russia, including around 300 students. If the mission has helped 47, we can appreciate how lean the team is,” he said.

The government continues to monitor the situation as it seeks diplomatic and legal avenues to secure the safety and return of affected Kenyans.

Mid March, the Foreign Affairs Minister travelled to Moscow in an effort to hold diplomatic talks with Russian authorities.

There, Mudavadi held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, where they reached an agreement on the fate of Kenyans recruited in the Russian military combat against Ukraine.

Lavrov argued that the persons recruited in the army did so voluntarily and would have to officially terminate their contracts with the defence ministry in Russia.

“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,” said Lavrov.

Alongside the Russian minister, Mudavadi argued that Kenya seeks to solve the matter diplomatically.

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