Russia Clarifies Recruiting Kenyans to Fight in Ukraine

The Russian Embassy has refuted claims that one of its citizens, who was nabbed allegedly recruiting Kenyans to fight in Ukraine, worked on behalf of the government of Russia. This comes as police rescued22 Kenyans awaiting documents to head to Russia.
The Russian in question was taken to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Thursday, September 25, where he was interrogated on his business in the country, and after that, he left the country on Friday, September 26, on his own, the embassy said while refuting reports that the man was arrested and deported.
In a statement on Saturday, September  27, the embassy said that it provided the necessary legal assistance to the individual to ensure that his rights were not violated.
“In connection with several media reports alleging the ‘arrest’ and subsequent ‘deportation’ of a Russian citizen in Kenya, we would like to inform you of the following. In the evening of September 25, 2025, Kenyan law enforcement officers escorted a citizen of the Russian Federation to one of Nairobi’s offices of the DCI to question him,” the embassy stated.
“Upon completing all necessary procedures, in the afternoon of September 26, the Russian, in accordance with his previous plans, left Kenya.  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,” it added.
The embassy has, however, said that Kenyan security agencies did not provide any information to the embassy about any charges or claims against him.
Contrary to media reports, the embassy further clarified that the Russian governmental bodies have never employed the individual, nor does he work at the Russian Embassy in Nairobi.
“The embassy is always open to constructive cooperation with Kenyan authorities on issues related to the stay of Russian citizens in the Republic of Kenya, including their compliance with Kenyan and Russian legislation, and will continue its work to protect their rights and interests as well,” the embassy stated.
The clarification comes after reports surfaced that security agencies arrested the Russian who was allegedly coordinating a human trafficking ring that was illegally sending individuals to fight in Ukraine, without their consent.
According to the police, they managed to rescue 22 people in a residential building in Athi River, where they were awaiting the individual to process their travel to Russia. According to the police, the individuals were allegedly promised job opportunities in Russia but intended to send them to fight in Ukraine, police said.
The police claimed that the individual was accused of coordinating the victims’ travel to Russia in September and October this year.
The security agencies further claimed that once arrested, he was taken to court, which allowed the police to detain him for an additional 10 days as they concluded their investigations.
Detectives said the rescued victims revealed they had signed contracts with an unnamed employment agency, committing to pay up to $18,000 (Ksh2,331,000),which would cater for their visas, travel, and accommodation.