The Kenyan government has announced the rescue of yet another citizen irregularly forced into serving in the Russia army. This brings the total number of rescued Kenyans to four. The Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei confirmed that the latest victim is on his way back home after successful intervention by the Kenyan Mission in Moscow.
The shocking revelations point to a deepening crisis involving trafficking networks luring desperate youth with false promises of lucrative jobs abroad, only to force them into dangerous military service.
Kenya Intensifies Rescue Efforts of Citizens Forced into Russia Army
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei confirmed that the rescued Kenyan had been irregularly conscripted into the Russian military.
“A fourth Kenyan, irregularly conscripted to serve in the Russian military, is on his way back home,” Sing’oei said.
He commended Kenya’s Mission in Moscow for its quick action to protect Kenyans caught in this situation. He urged citizens to remain cautious when dealing with overseas employment offers.
“We implore Kenyans to exercise all diligence in verifying the authenticity of any foreign employment contracts and to seek advice from the Ministry and particularly our Diaspora State department,” Sing’oei added.
The rescued man was among a group linked to reports of Kenyans being trafficked and turned into unwilling soldiers in the Russia army.
Trafficking Networks Target Kenyan Youth
Authorities say a human trafficking ring is behind the growing number of cases involving Kenyans ending up in the Russia army.
Just last week, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested a Russian national in Nairobi. He was accused of working for Moscow to recruit Kenyans for military duty under false pretenses.
The arrest followed the dramatic rescue of 22 Kenyans in Athi River. They had been waiting for their travel arrangements to Russia, believing they were about to secure jobs. Police revealed the group was destined for Ukraine’s war front, not legitimate employment.
Investigations showed that some victims had signed contracts requiring them to pay up to $18,000 (Ksh2.3 million) for visas, travel, and accommodation.
Victims Share Disturbing Experiences
The case of Evans Kibet exposed how easily unsuspecting Kenyans are lured into the Russia army.
Kibet explained that he had traveled to Russia as a tourist before being tricked into signing papers that turned him into a soldier.
“I did not know I was being signed up for the Russian army because I have never been in the military and I have never wanted a military job,” Evans said in a video interview.
He recounted how a man who initially hosted him later pressured him into staying and accepting a “job opportunity” that turned out to be conscription.
Government Issues Fresh Warning
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Kenyans to seek official advice before pursuing overseas jobs. Officials emphasized that many traffickers disguise themselves as employment agents but have ties to recruitment schemes that feed victims into the Russia army.
Sing’oei reiterated the government’s commitment to rescuing more Kenyans still trapped abroad. The ministry has ongoing efforts to identify and repatriate citizens who may already be in military camps or frontline positions.
“This is an unfortunate and dangerous situation,” Sing’oei noted, stressing the urgent need for vigilance among Kenyans.
Conclusion
The rescue of the fourth Kenyan highlights the urgent threat posed by international trafficking networks exploiting economic desperation. While the government’s swift action has saved lives, the scale of the problem suggests more victims may still be out there.
If Kenyans are not vigilant, traffickers will continue to prey on them, feeding unsuspecting youth into the brutal war machine of the Russia army. The state must act faster, tighten border checks, and dismantle these recruitment rings before more families lose their loved ones to a war they never signed up for.
