Kenyans who joined Russia war without gov't approval broke the law - Mudavadi
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has firmly stated that Kenyans who travelled to Russia and enlisted in the war against Ukraine without official government approval have clearly violated Kenyan law.
Speaking during a live interview on Citizen TV's The Explainer from Moscow, Mudavadi explained that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement, joining foreign armed forces requires explicit clearance, which these individuals bypassed. Some were deceived by fraudulent recruitment agencies promising legitimate jobs, while others knowingly signed contracts with Russian entities, often driven by economic hardships at home.
The government has already facilitated the safe return of 44 Kenyans caught up in the conflict, with the embassy in Moscow, led by Ambassador Mathuki, actively receiving distress calls from families and frontline fighters through a dedicated registration website. Mudavadi ruled out any state compensation or support for those who joined voluntarily, describing it as a personal matter, though some returnees may face charges or be required to record statements with investigative agencies. He acknowledged gaps in immigration and labour laws that have allowed such exploitation and pledged tighter regulations to protect Kenyans seeking opportunities abroad. Verified numbers stand at around 252 Kenyans involved, significantly lower than earlier estimates of over 1,000.
In a significant diplomatic development following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Kenya and Russia have agreed that no further recruitment of Kenyan nationals into Russia's special military operation will be permitted through the Russian Ministry of Defence. Mudavadi described this as putting a closure to new enlistments, while emphasizing that repatriation efforts for those already in the war zone will continue, albeit gradually. The government remains committed to supporting its citizens' safe return and may explore options like amnesty or rehabilitation programs once they are back home, underscoring Kenya's priority on citizen welfare amid complex global conflicts.
