The Russian Embassy in Nairobi has dismissed reports that one of its citizens was arrested and deported from Kenya, describing the claims as misleading.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the embassy clarified that Mikhail Lyapin, a Russian national, was not detained but was instead questioned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on September 25 regarding his business activities. The embassy emphasized that Lyapin had been scheduled to leave the country on the same day, and his departure was not linked to an arrest or deportation.
“Diplomats of the Russian Embassy in Nairobi provided the necessary consular and legal assistance to the Russian citizen, and also made sure that his legal rights were not violated,” the statement read. The mission further noted that it had not received any official communication from Kenyan authorities regarding allegations against Lyapin, stressing that he is not employed by the Russian government or its Nairobi office.
The clarification comes amid growing reports linking Lyapin to investigations into the illegal recruitment of Kenyans to fight for Russia. Earlier this week, security agencies rescued 21 Kenyans from apartments in Nairobi where they were allegedly being prepared for travel under false pretenses of employment.
Authorities revealed that some of the victims were ex-police officers and soldiers, while others were civilians lured with promises of well-paying jobs. Investigations indicate that several Kenyans have already been trafficked to Russia, where they risked forced conscription in the ongoing war with Ukraine.
Kenyan security officials have since warned citizens to be cautious of fraudulent overseas job offers. Survivors who managed to return home reported severe trauma, with some suffering injuries and others recounting harrowing experiences of torture and exploitation.
The embassy reiterated its readiness to cooperate with Kenyan authorities, pledging to safeguard the rights of Russian nationals while ensuring compliance with both countries’ laws.
