Kenya has reached out to Ukraine for assistance in repatriating its nationals reportedly captured while fighting on the Russian frontline.
In a statement on Monday, October 6, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei confirmed that the government is engaging Ukrainian authorities to ensure the affected Kenyans receive consular support and are safely returned home.
"Following recent reports of Kenyan nationals captured by Ukrainian Forces while on the Russian frontline, I sought Ambassador Tokar’s support for the Kenyans to access consular assistance and for their repatriation back to the country.
"I assured him that most Kenyans involved were victims of manipulation and trafficking, and the government was doing everything to protect vulnerable Kenyans," he said.
Sing'Oei made the remarks after meeting with the new Ambassador of Ukraine to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi.
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He added that the discussions also covered Kenya’s international diplomatic interests, including bids for positions in key global institutions.
"Also used the opportunity to seek Ukraine's support in Kenya's candidacy for the membership to the International Maritime Organization Council (IMO), and the candidature of Prof. Phobe Okowa as judge to the International Court of Justice (ICJ)," he added.
This comes barely a week after Sing'oei announced that another Kenyan who was irregularly conscripted into the Russian military was repatriated following successful rescue efforts by Kenya's diplomatic mission in Moscow.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 1, Sing'oei identified the rescued individual as Kevin Kariuki Nduma, marking the fourth Kenyan to be brought home from the dangerous situation.
"Another Kenyan, Kevin Kariuki Nduma, irregularly conscripted to serve in the Russian military, is on his way back home. I commend our Mission in Moscow for the effort to rescue and repatriate Kenyans caught in this unfortunate and dangerous situation," he stated.
Sing'oei cautioned Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad to exercise extreme vigilance when evaluating foreign job offers.
"We implore Kenyans to exercise all diligence in verifying the authenticity of any foreign employment contracts and to seek advice from the Ministry and particularly our Diaspora State department should they have doubt," he added.
This latest rescue came days after the government announced the successful repatriation of three other Kenyans.
Sing'oei confirmed that Shaquille Wambo, Pius Mwika, and Derick Njaga were safely rescued by the Kenyan Mission in Moscow and were on their way home to their families.
"Our Mission and our teams at headquarters are doing what we can to address the situation of those captured as prisoners of war. I thank Ambassador Peter Mathuki and the Team," he said in his Saturday, September 27 statement.
