Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has said that most Kenyan nationals captured fighting in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war are victims of manipulation and human trafficking.
In a statement on Monday, following a meeting with Ukrainian Ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, Sing’Oei assured him that the government of Kenya is doing everything possible to protect vulnerable citizens.
He went on to say that he had requested the support of the Ukrainian Ambassador to have the captured Kenyans access consular assistance and repatriation back to Kenya.
“Following reports of Kenyan nationals captured by Ukrainian forces while on the frontline, I sought Ambassador Tokar’s support for the Kenyans to access consular assistance and for their repatriation back to the country,” said Sing’Oei.
“I assured him that most Kenyans involved were victims of manipulation and trafficking, and the government is doing everything to protect vulnerable Kenyans,” he said.
Sing’Oei’s statement underscores growing concern over the increasing number of Kenyans being recruited through deceptive online job offers.
Many victims are said to have been enticed with promises of lucrative pay and European work opportunities, only to find themselves in Russian army camps.
The government has in recent months, stepped up efforts to combat human trafficking and exploitation of Kenyans seeking employment abroad, particularly in conflict-prone regions.
Sing’Oei and Tokar’s meeting comes just a few days after the repatriation of at four Kenyans who were illegally conscripted into the Russian military.
The PS has continued to urge Kenyans seeking jobs abroad to remain vigilant and to verify the authenticity of employment contracts before leaving the country.
“We implore Kenyans to exercise all diligence in verifying the authenticity of any foreign employment contracts and to seek advice from the Ministry, particularly our Diaspora State Department, should they have doubts.”
During the meeting, Sing’Oei also sought the support of Ukraine in Kenya’s quest to become a member of the International Maritime Organization Council (IMO) as well as Kenyan, Phobe Okowa’s candidature to become a judge of the ICJ.
“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 said.