The Kenyan government has stepped up efforts to bring home more than 1,000 citizens reportedly caught in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
This comes after growing concern from families whose loved ones are believed to be on the frontlines or trapped in conflict zones.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’Oei, has been at the center of diplomatic talks. He met separately with the ambassadors of Ukraine and Russia in Nairobi to explore ways to ensure the safe return of Kenyan nationals.
According to a National Intelligence Service report presented to Parliament, out of the over 1,000 Kenyans involved, 89 are on the frontlines, 39 are hospitalized, and 28 are missing.
Families of some affected Kenyans have been protesting at Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi, holding placards with pictures of their relatives and slogans like “Bring our sons home.”
They also submitted formal petitions to government leaders, including the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, and the Cabinet Secretary for Labour, Alfred Mutua, calling for urgent action.
In his meetings, Sing’Oei expressed deep concern for Kenyans captured on the battlefield and held as prisoners of war.
He urged both Ukraine and Russia to allow consular access and set clear procedures for repatriating those in captivity and for returning the remains of those who died.
The PS also highlighted the problem of fraudulent recruitment, warning that some Kenyans were lured into the war with false promises of money and benefits.
The Russian embassy in Kenya denied involvement in recruiting Kenyans but welcomed government efforts to identify and shut down fake recruitment agencies.
The Kenyan government is now taking steps to prevent further recruitment of citizens into dangerous conflicts abroad.
This situation has put pressure on the government to act quickly. Authorities are pushing for transparent procedures with both nations and are coordinating with families to track the status of Kenyans abroad.
The aim is to bring home everyone safely and ensure no more citizens fall victim to fraudulent recruitment schemes.
While a few Kenyans have already been repatriated, the majority remain in precarious situations. The government continues to monitor the crisis closely, emphasizing its commitment to protect the lives of all Kenyan nationals caught in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The unfolding events serve as a reminder for Kenyans to be cautious about overseas job offers and to avoid schemes that promise quick money but lead to life-threatening situations.
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