Mudavadi gives reasons why Kenyans Serving in Russian Millitary will not be repatriated back home

March 16, 2026

You’re on your own! No repatriation for Kenyans serving in Russian military

Kenyans recruited to serve in the Russian military will not be repatriated back home despite pleas from their families.

Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi on Monday held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, where they reached an agreement on the fate of the said Kenyan citizens.

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Here, Lavrov argued that the persons recruited in the army did so voluntarily and would have to officially terminate their contracts with the defence ministry in Russia.

“All Kenyans, as well as other nationals who signed contracts, did it voluntarily. The contracts did not have any provision for repatriation. When the contracts are effective, they can terminate this contract, but this is done under the Ministry of Defence,” said Lavrov.

In tandem with the Russian minister, Mudavadi argued that Kenya seeks to solve the matter diplomatically.

“Some of these Kenyans did not disclose their intentions. In our laws, it is also illegal to do these things,” said Mudavadi.

The Russian minister further submitted that Nairobi and Moscow have signed a labour migration agreement to ensure there is a routine process

“Russia does not decide to recruit; people join voluntarily. No one can prevent their citizens from looking for jobs if they want to look for jobs. We don’t target Africa specifically. We have citizens from Asia and other countries,” said Lavrov.

During the bilateral talks, Kenya also secured an agreement with Russia to stop the recruitment of Kenyan citizens into the Russian military.

Mudavadi said the two countries had agreed that Kenyans will no longer be enlisted into the Russian defence forces.

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“We have now agreed that Kenyans shall not be enlisted in the Department of Defence and they will no longer be eligible for enlisting in the military here in Russia,” Mudavadi said in Moscow.

He added that arrangements are also being made to assist Kenyans who are currently hospitalised in Russia through consular support.

“The consular services will also be arranged for Kenyans who are in hospital so that they can be assisted according to the law,” he said.

According to Mudavadi, Kenya does not want its diplomatic relations with Moscow to be viewed through the lens of the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War.

“We do not want for any reason our partnership with Russia to be considered through the lens of special operations,” he said.

The Foreign Affairs CS travelled to Moscow on Sunday to engage Russian authorities following reports that dozens of Kenyans had been recruited to fight for Russia in the conflict with Ukraine.

Some Kenyans have died on the battlefield, while others remain stranded in Russia after being recruited through what the government says were misleading job offers.

Mudavadi said the government is working with Russian authorities to secure the return of Kenyans who wish to come back home.

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“As we resolve the concerns of Kenyan families, I believe we have now found a common ground to ensure no further enlisting,” he said.

His visit also seeks to strengthen relations between Kenya and Russia in areas including education, agriculture, labour mobility, infrastructure and energy.

Mudavadi gives reasons why Kenyans Serving in Russian Millitary will not be repatriated back home

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