The Kenyan government has confirmed it is working to secure the release of four citizens who were trafficked to Russia and later captured in Ukraine.
Kenya Responds to Reports
On Saturday, September 20, the Principal Secretary (PS) for Foreign Affairs said the Ministry was aware of the cases and was engaging through the Kenyan Mission in Moscow.
“We are keenly following information on three or four Kenyans allegedly trafficked to Russia and currently held as POWs by Ukraine,” the PS stated.
He added that families should be assured the matter was being handled with urgency and care.
The Case of Evans Kibet
One of the victims, Evans Kibet, has already spoken out in a video released this week. Kibet, an aspiring athlete, revealed that he was tricked into traveling to Russia after being promised a job.
Once he arrived, his passport and phone were taken, and he was forced to sign documents. Without knowing, he had enlisted into the Russian army.
“I ended up in Russia without knowing that I had been enlisted in the army. I had never served before. I did not go to Russia for that,” Kibet explained.
Kibet said he was later taken to a training camp before being deployed. After enduring harsh conditions, he fled and surrendered to Ukrainian soldiers, who gave him food and water.
Ukraine’s Position
The Ukrainian government has said it is willing to discuss Kibet’s return with President William Ruto’s administration. However, under the Geneva Convention, he remains a prisoner of war until a court makes a decision.
Human Trafficking Concerns
This case has exposed how job scams are being used to traffic Kenyans into dangerous situations abroad. Authorities are now under pressure to protect citizens from similar schemes.
