Kenya Demands Repatriation of Nationals Recruited Into Russia-Ukraine War

The Kenyan government has demanded unimpeded consular access to its nationals reportedly involved in the Russia-Ukraine war, along with the repatriation of prisoners and the remains of those killed in the conflict.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said the issue dominated talks on Friday with Russian Ambassador to Kenya Vsevolod Tkachenko, amid growing protests by families calling for the return of their loved ones.

“I called for unimpeded consular access to our citizens and sought clear, transparent protocols regarding the repatriation of both prisoners of war and the remains of the deceased,” Sing’Oei said in a statement.

He stressed that Kenya’s priority remains “the safety and dignity of every Kenyan abroad” and welcomed cooperation from the Russian Embassy to prevent the illegal recruitment of Kenyan nationals.

Reports have alleged that up to 1,000 Kenyans may have been lured to the front lines of the conflict.

In response, the Russian Embassy in Nairobi denied engaging in illegal recruitment, describing the claims as a “dangerous and misleading propaganda campaign.” In a statement posted on X, the embassy said it has never enlisted Kenyan citizens unlawfully into its armed forces.

However, the statement added that the Russian Federation does not prohibit foreign nationals from voluntarily joining its military.

Kenya says it is intensifying diplomatic and security efforts to investigate recruitment networks and protect vulnerable citizens, amid growing international scrutiny over the use of foreign fighters in the protracted conflict.