Russia has assured Kenya that it does not support forceful recruitment of non-nationals into their security forces.
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei said following a meeting with Russia Ambassador to Kenya Vsevolod Tkachenko Moscow also reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Kenyan nationals residing in the Russian Federation.
“I am grateful of the assurances of the Russian Federation of her policy of intolerance towards involuntary recruitment of non-nationals into their security forces. We both agreed to work together towards the conclusion of a framework to facilitate regular migration between our two countries,” PS Korir said.
On Monday, PS Korir also met Ukraine Ambassador to Kenya Yurii Tokar and discussed reports of Kenyans being held as Prisoners of War in the Eastern Europe country.
“Following recent 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. I assured him that most Kenyans involved were victims of manipulation and trafficking and government was doing everything to protect vulnerable Kenyans,” the PS said.
The meetings come amid reports over the irregular conscription of Kenyan citizens into Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Last month, PS Korir announced four Kenyans who had been recruited into the military had been rescued and would be returned to the country.
“A third Kenyan, Kevin Kariuki Nduma, irregularly conscripted to serve in the Russian military is on his way back home. I commend our Mission in Moscow for the effort to rescue and repatriate Kenyans caught in this unfortunate and dangerous situation. We implore Kenyans to exercise all diligence in verifying the authenticity of any foreign employment contracts and to seek advice from the Ministry and particularly our Diaspora State department should they have doubt,” Korir said.
The others were Shaquille Wambo, Pius Mwika and Derick Njaga.
Last month, the Russian Embassy in Nairobi denied involvement of its nationals in the recruitment ring.
The Embassy, in a press release, denied any links to the recruitment, saying it had not received any official information from Kenyan authorities regarding any claims against Mikhail Lyapin or his activities.
The embassy was responding to the arrest and deportation of Lyapin in connection with the recruitment ring to the Russian military.
DCI had claimed Lyapin was an employee of the Russian embassy, a claim the mission denied.
