Mudavadi rules out compensation for Kenyans in Russia-Ukraine war

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has ruled out the possibility of the Kenyan government compensating those who were killed or injured in the Russia-Ukraine War.

Speaking in Moscow, Musalia Mudavadi, however, reiterated that the Kenyan government will help those who want to be repatriated back home, calling on Kenyans to remain vigilant against the allure of such jobs.

The families of those who were affected in the war, including 10 who were killed and scores of others injured, have consistently insisted that the government must take responsibility for the safety of their kin.

“This was not a government of Kenya contract and it cannot therefore be part of the compensation… they were voluntary engagements with the Russian government,” he said.

Mudavadi was non-committal on the exact time when the next batch of Kenyans would be repatriated back home, citing the uncertainty of distress calls from some trapped in the battle.

The details emerge as legislators who accompanied him to Russia also promised to crack the whip through legislation when they get back home.

This comes as the details of how to retrieve Kenyans still held as prisoners of war remain unclear, with reports of more Kenyans held captive in Ukraine emerging.

Meanwhile, the Russian authorities earlier distanced themselves from the compensation of Kenyans who were recruited into Russia before they completed their period of service.

Speaking on Monday, Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey 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.