CS Mudavadi Plans to Reduce the Number of Kenyans Involved in the Russia-Ukraine War

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced plans to visit Russia in a diplomatic effort aimed at protecting Kenyans affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Mudavadi said Kenya intends to engage the Russian government directly to ensure that Kenyan citizens are not trapped in dangerous situations linked to the conflict. He explained that the visit will help Kenya understand the challenges facing its citizens and find long-term solutions.

“I will soon make an official visit to Russia so that we can engage their government and address these issues, to ensure Kenyans do not fall into traps,” Mudavadi said.

He made the remarks during an interview with Western Kenya radio stations on Friday.

Mudavadi noted that some Kenyans may have been misled by false information, irregular recruitment, or fake job offers, which pushed them into risky situations abroad. He emphasized that Kenya is relying on diplomacy and dialogue to protect its citizens and prevent more people from being exposed to danger.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary also revealed that President William Ruto has held discussions with the Ukrainian government regarding Kenyans detained in Ukraine as prisoners of war.

“The President has engaged Ukrainian authorities because there are Kenyans who were detained there. We are using diplomatic means to ensure they are released and safely returned home,” Mudavadi said.

CS Mudavadi Plans to Reduce the Number of Kenyans Involved in the Russia-Ukraine War

He stressed that Kenya does not support its citizens participating in foreign conflicts and continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Meanwhile, Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei disclosed that Kenya has repatriated 28 citizens from Russia since December through sustained diplomatic efforts. He said the returning Kenyans had sought help from Kenyan diplomatic missions after finding themselves in difficult situations linked to the conflict.

“Our policy is clear. The Kenyan government does not support any Kenyan taking part in this war. This is a conflict that must come to an end,” Sing’oei said.

He added that the government is pursuing two key diplomatic strategies: securing the release of Kenyans detained in Ukraine and engaging Russian authorities to stop irregular recruitment of Kenyan citizens.

Sing’oei acknowledged that it is difficult to determine the exact number of Kenyans affected due to informal recruitment processes, but assured that the government remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad.

The government has also stepped up public awareness campaigns, warning Kenyans against suspicious overseas job offers and urging them to verify opportunities through official channels.

Mudavadi reaffirmed that Kenya will continue using diplomatic channels to safeguard its citizens, saying the government remains alert to ensure no Kenyan is exploited or exposed to harm because of the war.

“Our responsibility is to protect our people wherever they are, and diplomacy remains our strongest tool,” he said.