Musalia Mudavadi, the foreign minister of Kenya, departed for Moscow on Sunday to hold talks aimed at addressing the alleged forced recruitment of Kenyan citizens into the Russian military to fight in Ukraine.
According to a statement from Kenya’s foreign ministry, Mudavadi is scheduled to meet senior Russian officials, including Sergey Lavrov, during discussions planned for Monday and Tuesday.
The visit comes amid growing concern in Nairobi over reports that some Kenyans were lured to Russia with promises of well-paid civilian jobs but were later compelled to join the Russian army and deployed to the front lines in Ukraine.
Kenyan authorities are seeking the safe return of citizens believed to be stranded in Russia after being recruited under misleading circumstances.
Reports by international media have highlighted cases of Kenyan nationals allegedly sent to the battlefield with limited military training. Intelligence estimates cited in reports suggest that more than 1,000 Kenyans may have died in the conflict.
Beyond addressing the alleged recruitment issue, Mudavadi is also expected to discuss possible arrangements that would make it easier for Kenyans to access employment opportunities in Russia.
The foreign ministry said the talks would include efforts to ensure the safe repatriation of affected Kenyans.
“Mudavadi’s engagement with Russian government officials will seek to address the situation involving Kenyans who may have been voluntarily or involuntarily drafted into the Russian military,” the statement said.
It added that the discussions are part of broader government efforts to safeguard Kenyan citizens abroad by ensuring they work in safe environments and maintain dignified living conditions while outside the country.
The issue has drawn wider attention across Africa. In late February, South Africa secured the return of 15 of its nationals who had appealed for government assistance after reportedly being trapped in the eastern Donbas region following similar recruitment claims.
The revelations have sparked public outrage in Kenya, with Mudavadi’s deputy, Abraham Korir Sing’Oei, condemning what he described as Russia’s “unacceptable” use of Kenyans as “cannon fodder” in the ongoing conflict.
