President William Ruto has appealed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to release Kenyans detained in Ukraine, following reports of illegal recruitment of Kenyan nationals into the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
During a phone conversation on Thursday, November 6, Ruto raised deep concern about young Kenyans allegedly lured to fight in the conflict. The two leaders discussed strengthening ties between Kenya and Ukraine while agreeing to raise awareness about the dangers of such risky ventures. Ruto’s intervention aims to secure the safety and repatriation of affected citizens.
Ruto Phone Call With Volodymyr Zelenskyy Highlights Kenya’s Growing Diplomatic Concerns
President Ruto’s phone call with Volodymyr Zelenskyy came amid rising fears that several Kenyans are trapped in Ukraine after being duped into joining the Russian military. The call, made from State House Nairobi, underscored Kenya’s firm stance on protecting its citizens abroad.
Ruto confirmed that he directly asked the Ukrainian leader to help secure the release of Kenyans currently held in custody by Ukrainian authorities.
“I have requested President Zelenskyy to facilitate the release of any Kenyan in Ukrainian custody. I am grateful to His Excellency for acceding to my appeal,” Ruto said.
The Kenyan President further commended Ukraine for organizing the upcoming Food Summit, expected to take place later this month. The summit aims to address global food security issues, an area where Kenya and Ukraine have maintained strong cooperation.
The conversation also demonstrated a new diplomatic tone from Nairobi — one focused on safeguarding citizens while maintaining international partnerships during turbulent times.
Kenyan Youths Duped Into the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Reports of Kenyans being illegally recruited to join the Russia-Ukraine conflict have troubled the government for months. Many young men are said to have been promised lucrative sports, security, or logistics jobs in Europe, only to find themselves forced into combat.
One such case is that of Evans Kibet, a 44-year-old Kenyan who claimed he was misled into joining the Russian army.
>“I ended up in Russia without knowing that I had been enlisted in the Russian army. I had never served before. I did not go to Russia for that,” Kibet said in a video released in September.
Kibet’s arrest by the Ukrainian army near the conflict zone drew outrage from human rights groups and sparked diplomatic engagement between Kenya and Ukraine. The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has since intensified efforts to locate and assist other citizens caught in similar situations.
Government Moves to Secure Detained Kenyans
Following the growing reports of detentions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stepped in to seek clarification and assistance from Ukraine. In October, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei met with the Ukrainian Ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, to discuss how the detained Kenyans could receive consular support.
The PS emphasized Kenya’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens, noting that the government would not tolerate any form of illegal recruitment targeting vulnerable youth.
“Our citizens deserve protection and fair treatment under international law. We are working closely with the Ukrainian authorities to ensure their safe return,” Sing’Oei stated during the meeting.
Kenyan officials have since maintained open communication with the Ukrainian Embassy in Nairobi, reaffirming their desire for cooperation and justice for the affected individuals.
Strengthening Kenya-Ukraine Relations Through Diplomacy
Beyond the immediate humanitarian issue, President Ruto’s call marked a significant moment in Kenya-Ukraine relations. Both leaders agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation, especially in trade, food security, and education.
Ukraine remains one of the key grain suppliers to Kenya, and the Food Summit offers both countries a platform to address supply challenges caused by the ongoing war. Ruto’s show of diplomatic engagement reflects his administration’s balancing act—defending Kenyan citizens while fostering partnerships in Europe.
The discussion between Ruto and Zelenskyy highlighted Kenya’s growing role in international diplomacy. It also showed Nairobi’s readiness to act decisively whenever Kenyans face distress abroad.
President Ruto’s appeal for the release of detained Kenyans could pave the way for future cooperation on humanitarian and migration issues between the two nations. His approach demonstrates a mix of assertiveness and diplomacy, positioning Kenya as a proactive player in global peace and citizen protection.
